Many people feel their sciatica pain flare up during the spring and summer. This is often due to working in the yard and going on vacation. The purpose of a vacation may be to relax, but back pain can happen and ruin your fun in the sun. This pain often comes about from being in a cramped position in a car or plane for many hours. Plus, you may be lifting heavy luggage or be stressed or tense.

The best thing to do is to do your best to prepare and prevent sciatica pain before it starts. Before you go on vacation, perform prevention exercises and stretches. While you are traveling by car or plane, get up and walk around every hour or so. When lifting your luggage, be very careful and try to avoid excessive forward bending. Continue your prevention exercises and stretches while on vacation to prevent a flare up.

Yard work is another activity in the spring and summer that causes radiculopathy and sciatica pain flare up. Just as with travel, prevention exercises and stretches are one of the best things you can do. Stretch, become more active, and build strength. When you are working in the yard, pay attention to your body and use proper techniques when bending or lifting. Also, use tools to prevent strain on your back,. Use wheel barrows to transport objects, kneel on cushioned pads to make yourself more comfortable, and use tools with long handles to minimize bending. Take frequent breaks and pay attention to the tasks and positions that cause pain. Find creative ways to make them more comfortable and strain your back less.

If you suffer from sciatica, ask your doctor for more tips for the spring and summer. Also consider EMG and NCS tests to get to the bottom of your pain.