March 29th, 2008
Sciatica Exercises - Let Your Body Be Your Guide
This article discusses the importance of using the right exercises in the treatment of sciatica and explains why some commonly-recommended exercises can actually make sciatica worse.
While sciatica exercises are definitely important to both short and long-term recovery, not all exercises promoted for sciatica are actually appropriate during acute symptoms and may actually make things worse.
For example, while commonly recommended to people with sciatica, exercises such as hamstring stretches and the yoga position, “downward facing dog” can be beneficial as part of managing one’s condition once the pain is reduced, these exercises can place tension on the sciatic nerve and aggravate an already inflamed and sensitive condition. In general, any exercise that causes pain to increase in the leg and/or extend further down the leg should be completely avoided during the acute phase of sciatica.