Sciatica is aggravated by pressure on the lower back and pelvic area.
Exercise and weight loss can alleviate your back pain
The aim should be to avoid straining this area. Sitting is also less beneficial for sciatica sufferers, so aim for gentle exercise that avoids combining these things. It probably goes without saying that high-impact exercise—like running—and contact sports—like rugby or football—will exacerbate your symptoms and potentially cause more damage. Rowing, crunches, and spin classes should be avoided, too.
- In This Article:!
- 2 Sciatica Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention.
- 2. Worsening neurological symptoms!
- Can Sciatica Impact Long-term Weight Loss.
The main reason we suggest avoiding these exercises is because of the hunched posture you need to adapt to perform them, which strains your lower back. Secondly, it can be difficult to maintain the correct form for your spinal health while you exercise. One study has shown that for every excess pound of body weight we carry, we add four pounds of pressure on our spine. If you tend to carry excess weight around your stomach, this puts more pressure on your spine than if you carry it in your hips and thighs.
It makes sense that if we are overweight, we aim to reduce our weight for all the benefits that can bring. So how do we do it when we suffer from sciatica? The key to weight loss for sciatica sufferers is to focus on a healthy, calorie-controlled diet that works for your body, and low-impact, lower-back friendly exercise.
A controlled, challenging exercise plan—tailored specifically to sciatica—is a strong part of your weight loss plan.
Can Sciatica Impact Long-term Weight Loss – Modius Health
The goal is to avoid further injury, and strengthen the muscles in our lower back as we heal. A strong focus should be put on building core muscle strength for our lower back and abdominal muscles. Secondly, we want to focus on low-impact aerobic work. There are several swimming pool exercises for lower back pain, which support your body weight as you work out. Brisk walking on soft surfaces—like grass—can also be really beneficial. Yoga and tai chi are a strong choice for mindful strength and flexibility building. Finally, almost all forms of sciatica can benefit from hamstring stretches.
When our hamstrings are not supple and relaxed, it causes stress on the lower back. The stress puts you at risk of further strains and slow your healing. Fortunately, it heals given time and proper care, or with some very simple, professional sciatica treatment. Adjusting your exercise routine to accommodate your short-term nerve injury, and eating smart, can keep you on track despite your setbacks.
Aim high and be patient.
And see your doctor if you have concerns about your recovery. Older Post Newer Post.
Last Day of Shipping for Christmas: 18th Dec. Wipes and Pads. Carry Case. Our Headset. Modius App. Cart 0 products in your cart Cart items:. Special instructions:. Loading results. Causes of Sciatica The most common cause is a herniated disc in the lower back. Some other causes might be: Degenerative disc disease Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Osteoarthritis Isthmic spondylolisthesis Piriformis syndrome Common Symptoms of Sciatica Sciatica symptoms will generally relate to sensation—or lack of it—in the lower back, butt, and above the knee.
A well-structured weight loss program that promotes gradual weight loss is your best option. Jones can refer you to a physical therapist who will work around your sciatic pain and help strengthen your muscles. This helps tremendously in avoiding reinjury and promoting long-term pain management. Jones can help formulate a plan to help you both lose weight and treat your sciatica.
When you have degenerative disc disease, simple activities such as reaching for a cup from the cupboard can cause excruciating pain. A comprehensive evaluation provides the answers you need to get relief so that you can get back to what matters most. The main goals of degenerative disc disease treatment are managing pain, reducing complications, and preventing new degenerative discs from developing.
Sciatica and Obesity
With treatment, you can improve your quality of life. Back pain can throw a major wrench into your daily life. Along with visiting an orthopedic specialist, adding some simple stretches to your exercise regimen can help bring relief. A variety of factors contribute to kyphosis, which can cause chronic pain and disability. Hormonal changes that occur naturally with aging puts women at an increased risk of developing this condition.