?¥?Nicole?¥? on March 4th, 2010

I also suffer sciatica too it must be the more painful than child birth plus it last longer! I know exactly how you feel with this one. No exercises can really work the nerve has been trapped causing pain & the more swelling the more pain, the more exercise/walking etc the more pain, There are many prescription pain killers I have tried but none worked, I would sit with a heat pad just to try to help. I have tried many things but I have found once you have it, we have just got to deal with it till they actually do think of something for us.Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots in the low back are compressed.
My old car use to set it off a lot, I need lumbar support on my lower back even when sitting on a chair/sofa etc, if I dont use it (towel rolled up anything really) it comes on with avengance.
Has your GP done a x-ray? they can do surgery but I did not want to do that. Your doctor may prescribe medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics help reduce swelling while relieving pain. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription-strength drugs. You may also be prescribed muscle relaxants or other stronger pain medications. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) place corticosteroid medicine near spinal nerve roots. Corticosteroid injections can reduce nerve inflammation and pain for months or longer, but ESIs are not effective for all patients.

If needed, your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist. I went to one but it just made it worse.
Guisseppe l on March 4th, 2010

Helpful sciatica exercises
Before reviewing specific sciatica exercises, it is first important to explain what sciatica is, as the term sciatica is often misused and its definition often misunderstood. Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself (meaning it does not explain the cause of the pain). Sciatica is a general term that refers to pain caused by compression or irritation of one or more nerves exiting the lower spine that make up the sciatic nerve, and there are a number of different conditions that can cause this.

The medical term for sciatica is a radiculopathy, which means that a spinal disc has extended beyond its normal position and is irritating the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which connects with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches off as it travels down the lower extremity through the back of the leg, and thus pain can be experienced along this route.

Active exercise is important for sciatica relief
While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain than bed rest. Patients may rest for a day or two after their sciatica flares up, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Without exercise and movement, the back muscles and spinal structures become deconditioned and less able to support the back. The deconditioning and weakening can lead to back injury and strain, which causes additional back pain. Exercise is also important for the health of the spinal discs. Movement helps exchange nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep them healthy.

Many sciatica exercises focus on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles in order to provide more support for the back. Stretching exercises for sciatica target muscles that cause pain when they are tight and inflexible. When patients engage in a regular program of gentle strengthening and stretching exercises, they can recover more quickly from a flare up of sciatica and can help to prevent future episodes of pain.

Specific sciatica exercises depend on the cause of the pain
A physical therapist, certified athletic trainer (ATC), chiropractor, physiatrist or other spine specialist who treats the back pain and leg pain associated with sciatica may recommend exercise as part of a treatment program. It is important to first get an accurate diagnosis for the cause of sciatic pain, as the specific exercises recommended will depend on the cause of the sciatica. It is also important to get a diagnosis before starting any sciatica exercises because, while rare, sciatic pain can be caused by some serious medical conditions (such as an infection or tumor) that require prompt medical attention.hope this helps you out.
Sum 182 on March 4th, 2010

what is that?
55yrsnholdin on March 4th, 2010

Nice slow stretches. Lie on the floor with your legs elevated. make sure your knees are flexed though. A coffee table or ottoman works well. Try to relax your lower back as much as possible. In bed put a pillow behind your knees. Also take an aspirin or two to reduce the inflammation. If you have a pool that you can access, Try doing those simple stretches in the pool. Water makes everything better. I get sciatica several times a year.
kellie w on March 4th, 2010

My favorite one is lying on your stomach, prop your head on your hands with your elbows on the floor. Hold for 1 minute and repeat, You can work your way up to holding it longer. Another is lying on your back put one leg on a door frame( anywhere you can put your leg all the way up while the other is flat on the floor). Work your way to getting both legs straight(no bend at the knee). These really helped me and when my back acts up I still do these stretches.

Exercises to reduce the pain of sciatica?

What exercises can be done to reduce the pain of sciatica?

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