Exercise is an important part of your overall health. It can have a great impact on your physical and mental health. Adults should get 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. However, sometimes this may need to be adjusted due to certain health conditions. You may wonder, can you exercise with sciatica? Below, you will find more information on how to navigate sciatica to ensure your long-term health.

Can you exercise with sciatica?

There are a number of conditions that require scaling back on your exercise routine. For those with sciatica, you may consider avoiding exercise. However, maintaining physical activity is beneficial. Depending on how rigorous your regular routine is, you may need to slow down. But avoid stopping working out altogether. Exercise can have a positive impact on sciatica. In addition to exercise, stay focused on your daily activities and continue to move. This can help ensure you maintain your normal routine.

Exercising With Sciatica

Exercising with sciatica can increase your muscle strength and reduce stiffness. A strong core is beneficial as it can support your spine. This includes your abdomen, back, and pelvic muscles. A strong core can reduce the impact on the surrounding tissues. This can ultimately reduce your sciatica pain and prevent future flare-ups. Exercise can also reduce your stiffness. Reducing stiffness is beneficial in improving your mobility and sciatic nerve sensitivity.

Start your workout with a stretching routine. Stretching is an integral part of managing sciatica pain. Warm up with stretches and really lean into them. Avoid bouncing while you stretch, as this can exacerbate your pain. In addition, avoid forcing a stretch. If you notice serious tension when you do a stretch, try a different one. After you stretch, gently warm up. A light aerobic exercise is a great way to get your muscles going. Work with your spine surgeon on a workout routine that works for you. Customizing your treatment plan to meet your needs is a necessary part of your treatment.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that impacts your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body. The condition is characterized by pain that radiates from the sciatic nerve. People who have the condition experience pain from the lower back down to their legs. This can impact one or both of the legs, and the pain can vary in terms of intensity. In addition to pain, symptoms include numbness, muscle weakness, a burning sensation, and difficulty sitting or standing.

Sciatica treatment is necessary to alleviate your symptoms and reduce your risk of other health issues. Untreated sciatica can lead to a series of unwanted issues. This includes chronic pain, decreased mobility, nerve damage, loss of muscle, and an increased risk of falling. In addition, it can also cause secondary health issues. This includes sleep disruptions, mental health issues, and weight gain.

Sciatica Treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms of sciatica, contact a specialist right away. This can help get you back to your daily routine and reduce your risk for further health issues. Sciatica treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common treatment options include physical therapy, stretching, exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes. Treatment can include one or a combination of the aforementioned treatment options. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. However, conservative treatments are often the first course of action.

Early intervention is key when it comes to treating sciatica. The team at Yashar Neurosurgery is skilled in sciatica treatment. They create customized treatment plans for patients in order to meet their unique needs. Avoid waiting and contact Yashar Neurosurgery today for an appointment!