Regular exercise can prevent and reduce sciatica pain. It can also reduce other symptoms. Sometimes, when you are feeling back pain, it can feel difficult to exercise. However, exercise is very important for your health and to help with sciatica. You may just want to lay in bed, but it’s best to get up and be active. Regular exercise strengthens the weak muscles that support the spine. This can help prevent further herniation of the disc. As muscles strengthen, the roots can have more room to pass and not get pinched. When exercising properly, joints become more flexible and pain is relieved.

Increasing Range of Motion May Reduce Sciatica Pain

Patients suffering from radiculopathy must keep good posture and a normal range of motion. Regular exercise can normalize muscle tone and keep nerves flexible. Talk to your doctor about the best types of exercises for you. Don’t go overboard and get into heavy lifting, but find gentle exercises that will help sciatica. In general, patients should start with gentle stretches, walking, and mild exercises that are performed for short amounts of time. As the exercises become more comfortable, the patient can increase the time and intensity.

The best exercises include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic activity. Others include biomechanical exercise, mixed modality exercise, and mind-body exercises such as tai chi or yoga. When the proper exercises are done each day, the patient can prevent further recurrences of the pain. If the pain is not prevented, it may at least reduce sciatica pain. Before exercising, apply heat to your rear pelvis for 15 to 20 minutes. This can help to improve blood flow and stretch soft tissues before getting into exercise. Be gentle and ease your way into your exercises. Always remember that your doctor is your number one resource, talk about an exercise plan as well as potential EMG/NCS testing to gather more information.