Our body is capable of many things. But, some ailments keep us from doing things temporarily or permanently. It can be difficult to navigate life with Sciatica, but you can always get better. Here is a list of things you need to keep in mind when you’re working out with Sciatica.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a nerve pain in the Sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body and controls the knee and the lower leg.
When you have Sciatica, the pain originates from the buttocks and affects the backs or legs. It could be a moderate pain that will cause slight discomfort or very bad, making you immobile.
But this does not mean you have to stop living your life when you have Sciatica. You can still work out and do activities by being mindful of a few things.
What are the things to keep in mind when working out with Sciatica?
There are certain things to keep in mind when working out with sciatica, which are listed as follows:
Improve your posture
When you’re doing your Sciatica exercises, you should always check your form. These exercises are meant to help you, but the bad form can lead to other problems.
You can practice in front of a mirror or have someone check your posture when you’re exercising, to ensure you are not doing anything wrong.
Apply heat to your pelvis
You need to apply the heat to the rear end of your pelvis. Doing this for 10-15 minutes before the exercise can relax and soften your soft tissues. If your tissues are firm and rigid, it makes movement difficult and the exercise can be painful.
Applying heat can also result in blood vessel dilation, which can improve blood flow to your lower back.
Do light exercises
You need to try low-effort exercises like walking or using simple sciatica exercises. These exercises will help you be flexible without straining your nerves or muscles.
The light exercises will also not feel overwhelming, motivating you to continue with it. Keep in mind that you do not have to sweat, you just need to be consistent with your movements first. You can focus on more later.
Be consistent with exercises
Even though you should avoid doing heavy exercises, you need to be consistent with the light exercises you do. This will make your soft tissue flexible and avoid rigidity.
To be consistent with your exercise, find ways to motivate yourself. You should not be focused on how long you did an exercise, but rather on how regularly you’re doing it.
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Know when to stop when working out with Sciatica
No matter what people say, the advice that worked for your friend, may not work for you. So if you feel discomfort, don’t push yourself and shrug it off. Be mindful of how your body feels.
Exercising regularly will be difficult but, you need to understand that it should help you get rid of the pain in the long run. If the pain is persistent or if the exercises are uncomfortable, speak out about it and find something that works out for you.
Conclusion
This is not professional medical advice on how to treat Sciatica, but rather just researched information to give you comfort and some idea.
If you have Sciatica or think you have Sciatica, please make sure to seek professional help. We are not qualified, nor do we recommend just taking the help of an article for help.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the sciatica nerve?
The purpose of the sciatica nerve is to provide motor innervation to the rear end of the thigh.
2. What are the main causes of sciatica?
Tumors, spondylitis, spinal stenosis, slipped disks or pelvic injury can cause sciatica.
3. How long does sciatica last?
Sciatica can last you anywhere from between 4-6 weeks. It can keep hurting if you do not take care of it.
4. What are the top 3 exercises for Sciatica?
Pelvic title, knee to chest, and lower trunk rotation are good exercises for Sciatica.
5. Is walking good for Sciatica?
Yes, walking is good for Sciatica. But you need to be mindful and do it in moderation.
6. Can Sciatica fully recover?
Yes, Sciatica can be fully recovered with proper care and consistent exercise and treatment.