Working out vs. sciatica

I have sciatica and I just worked past it. I did see my doctor and was referred to a specialist but I was not willing to go the route of the 'let's try this' remedies. In fact it had just become a normal part of my life until recently I noticed that I had no pains in my leg or lower back. I do wear compression pants when I workout and they did help, I would notice the difference when I took them off or worked out at home in leggings.

Hopefully someone will reply with some option that may help you to alleviate some of the pain.

crastatter86 wrote: »

I've been battling sciatica and back/leg pain for about 2 months now. It has really set me back as far as working out goes, how can I overcome this? I have an appointment with my doctor, I've tried stretching, ice, heat, rest, OTC NSAID's ...nothing is helping.

A great Chiropractor is one way for really stiff back muscles. Another way is to do "Good Mornings" without any weights, nice and slow, feet shoulder-width apart, with your hands behind your head/neck, as you keep your eyes staring at the ceiling as you bend. Emphasis - go slow. This will also stretch your hamstrings and calves. Start off with 5 every hour and bump it up 5 more every week. This will strengthen and stretch out the muscles in your back - which could be the problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good-morning

I battled sciatica for years as a result of degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors, surgical consultations, PT and meds. I found what worked best for me was developing and maintaining a strong core. It was not a “magic pill” nor did it happen overnight. Though gradually (over ~3 months) the intensity and frequency of the pain decreased. I have been generally symptom-free for close to decade. The few times I feel it coming back are almost when I skip my exercise regimen for more than a couple days.

By no means is it guaranteed to work, but my thought is, it is worth a try. Especially before trying any procedure that is far more evasive and not necessarily anymore successful.

There are all kinds of “Core Programs” on-line and other places. Try to do what you can do when you can. In my case in the beginning I found planks, back extensions and others very discomforting. So for a while stuck with Glute Bridges, Leg Raises (Initially one leg at a time). Then eventually expanded my repertoire. I am pretty sure your case will be different but see what works for you.

One last thing, when my sciatica initially started, I was not over-weight and as avid runner, basketball and tennis player I perceived myself in good shape. Yet I had neglected to take care of my core.

Best Wishes and hope this helps …..at least a little

First, be sure that it's sciatica. A lot of doctors with no knowledge of sports medicine will diagnose sciatica when it's really an IT band or some other issue. That happened to me with two different doctors. After two months, I couldn't stand the pain so I went to see a third doctor. He did some manipulations of my leg during the exam that none of the other doctors did. He prescribed a few days of Indocin (an very strong, old school NSAID) and showed me some stretches to do daily.

It was fine a week later.

I have had referred sciatica pain that results in a very tight hamstring and pain from my lower back to my hamstring for a year now. It's not debilitating by any means, but I certainly can't exercise like I used to or it starts to get really uncomfortable (especially running). It is so frustrating as it gets better with inactivity and worse as I exercise more. I've been to a chiropractor and unfortunately, it didn't help. I've been to an orthopedist and had an MRI. The cause could potentially due to inflamed facet joints or from a bulging disk. Their next step was epidural steroid injections. I'm not quite ready for that. I've read a LOT about it, and my understanding is that you need to break the cycle of the nerve irritation and resulting muscle spasms so that it doesn't become chronic. I have recently tried Aleve and it is working wonderfully to take the pain away. Try it if you haven't already. My approach this time is to continue Aleve to keep inflammation down (and pain away), discontinue any strenuous activity and do lots of gentle stretching (which is much easier when the pain is gone) and some lower back strengthening exercises. I'm going to do this for a week or two before I discontinue the Aleve to see if it will make it go away.

I think Sciatica has so many different causes, manifestations and cures. You may have to try several things before you find what works. Good luck to you!