Starting weight training with ongoing sciatica

all4yum

I am getting closer to my healthy weight and I know I have low muscle mass, and my bmr is pretty low, I need to start doing some weight training. But I have ongoing sciatica. Every time I lift anything the pain gets worse, scitica exercises make it worse, yoga makes it worse, walking and cycling makes it worse, any kind of bending makes it worse. I also have a connective tissue disease, so my joints, especially my shoulders and hips are pretty bad and feel "loose". Is there any safe way of doing weight or strength training? (Oh and my doctor is entirely uninterested in my pain, im on my own on that front)

Cherimoose

You probably can increase your strength in some capacity, but your program will likely need to be tailored to your particular needs. Try to work with a sports physical therapist, or a personal trainer who has a physical therapy degree (hard to find, but out there). In the mean time, try working on your ab muscles, since they help support your back & pelvis. Here are some good ones to do daily: https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/core-exercises-ease-back-pain/

heybales

Was it confirmed if the sciatica went through the piriformis muscle to be getting pinched, or just normal route through potentially tight muscles in general?

The latter can be assisted with some very specific stretching, the former is going to need that and any movements would need to be specific too for avoiding making it worse.

Very tough spot.
But ditto to save the money for the Dr and go straight to a therapist that can either discern which issue you have - or show you the safe movements and go over the ones to avoid just in case.

Best person to also deal with the joint tissue issue - so confirm on phone during appointment setup they have those skills.

quiksylver296

@chieflrg?

Chieflrg

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. Pain is a tricky thing to deal with. I assure you that you can resistance train.

What exercises are you prescribed for sciatica?

What equipment do you have access to for resistance training?

Which connective tissue disease do you have and are you on any medications for it?

I'm not sure what you mean by "loose". Is your disease progressive?

What specific movements can you tolerate pain?

nooshi713

I second a physical therapist to guide you with the proper exercises for your condition.

Mithridites

There are some amazing physiotherapists out there. Do your research and then do the work.

Theoldguy1

Sciatica is really a symptom, you need to find the root cause and address it properly through the right medical professional.

In the meantime I would check out Bob and Brad, the Most famous physical therapists on the internet. Together they have close to 60 years experience as therapists. Many free videos on sciatica and many other issues. Of course the are not doing a live exam but their videos are very careful to not encourage any painful movements.

Sample

https://youtu.be/z6ZX1yAjXuc