Should I be working out with muscle pain?

cvdub16

Ok, so I have no idea how it happened but for about almost 2 weeks now my left upper but cheek has been hurting, a lot like it did when I was pregnant and had bad sciatic pain on that side. It hurts off and on when I walk or even when I sit. The pain can be so bad I can barely move or loose my balance. I think the muscle is swollen and pushing on my sciatic. It is getting a tiny better. Basically I am wondering if working out might actually make it better or will it make it worse? I feel this may have started cause I am so out of shape and due to my depression since my little one was born I haven't done much at all but sit on my butt at home or do stuff around the house. I know this may sound silly but just wondering if I should workout or rest till it gets better. Thank you!

ElizabethKalmbach

I highly recommend visiting a chiropractor if it's in your medical plan (and even if it isn't, many are reasonably priced) and while you're there, ask for stretches or exercises you can do to help you maintain good alignment.

Your doctor may also be able to help with some alignment issues, though they're not as specifically trained as a chiropractor. (They may actually be able to prescribe a chiropractor to keep things covered for you, depending on how your insurance works.)

I have similar pain at times, and depending on how bad it is, sometimes I swim or do some other low impact activity, and sometimes if it's annoying but not terrible, I just walk and stretch and take my anti-inflammatory medications, and things line themselves back up with the gentle movement.

I wouldn't recommend going *all out* with back pain, and I definitely recommend visiting a medical professional about it, but I don't recommend you turn *entirely* into a potato for fear of worsening the pain either. Just be gentle and mindful of posture and drink plenty of water while you wait to see a doctor/chiro for further instruction.

Cherimoose

See if this stretch helps: https://youtube.com/watch?v=2qZ517Rw7ME

If not, you might need to see a physical therapist, sports doctor, etc, to find out what the problem is. In the mean time, i'd stick to light exercises that don't hurt it, perhaps short walks. Focus on keeping your abs pulled in when walking & doing housework, and also wear shoes with no raised heel, like Vans or Keds, for a smoother gait.

cvdub16

Thank you all for the feedback!