Can I lift weights and exercise with sciatica (lower back pain)?

I am 38-year-old and have sciatica (lower back pain). I was active in my college days and worked out regularly. Now I cannot do any exercise except yoga. Even if the yogasan goes a little wrong, the

By: Shiphrah Lakka | | Updated: March 30, 2015 1:53 pm

I am 38-year-old and have sciatica (lower back pain). I was active in my college days and worked out regularly. Now I cannot do any exercise except yoga. Even if the yogasan goes a little wrong, the back pain & sciatica pain starts and lasts for 20 to 25 days. I want to do crunches, push-ups, weights etc. What should I do? Also Read - Unexplained back pain could be a sign of lung cancer

Answered by physiotherepist Shiphrah Lakka
Also Read - Is work from home giving you lower back pain? Don’t use your bed as the workstation

From your question your history is not clear, but it looks like you’ve had sciatica for a while now. Sciatica usually responds to brief periods of rest and limited activity, during flare-ups. You must re-start gentle exercises after a brief period of rest because prolonged bed rest can worsen your condition. If you’re having a flare up, you should stick to the more gentle yoga poses that don’t over work-your back. (Read: Lower back pain: Why you shouldn’t ignore it) Also Read - Do you suffer from lower back pain? Changing your sleeping posture may work wonders

It may not be possible to do weights and crunches if you have severe sciatica. However, don’t get discouraged. When you have a condition like sciatica, you just have to make some lifestyle changes that will not aggravate your condition. You can switch to sports like swimming, that is an excellent option for you. You can do aqua aerobics, water walk, or swim laps. It is a great workout for people suffering from back pain and lumbar issues. Pilates can also helpful as it involves stretching in slow, controlled, and smooth motions. It is low-impact way to tone the body, making it the best option for sciatica and back pain patients.

It’s not easy when you want to get up and do so many things. But don’t give up; just find different exercise options to help you stay fit. It is best that you talk to your doctor or physiotherapist who knows your history before you start any new exercise regime. (Read: Can Surya Namaskar be performed by people with back pain?)

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of sciatica.

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Published : December 12, 2013 10:49 am | Updated:March 30, 2015 1:53 pm

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