Doing physical activity when you have sciatica is somewhat complicated, since this disease causes such intense pain that sufferers may even be incapacitate of carrying out daily activities. However, if you feel strong and your physician allows it there are some exercises that you can do that will be very beneficial. In OneHowTo.com we give answer to the question of what exercises can I do if I have sciatica?
Many people think that if you have sciatica you should not exercise at all or even go for a walk. The truth is that exercise will help improve your condition, and doing a small amount of exercise daily will eventually lead you to be able to do longer, more extensive exercise.
If you have sciatica, you should take short walks to start. The first walks could even just be inside your house. The goal is to alternate bed time with walk time, gradually reducing the bed time and increasing the walk time.
If walking is impossible for you at the moment, at best you can do light stretching, as long as you do not produce more pain than what you are already suffering. We recommend that you stretch with great care so to not worsen your condition.
If stretching is also very painful, simply attempt to move your spine regularly. Lay down on your belly and try to lift your chest off the bed while keeping your pelvis pressed down.
Yes it is highly recommended that you exercise if you have sciatica, but not the days you are experiencing an outbreak, as a preventive measure. Especially if you are overweight, any activity will be beneficial if you accompany it with a healthy diet to lose kilos. Learn how to organize a healthy menu in this OneHowTo article.
If you are well enough and would rather play sports than do a series of exercises, yoga or swimming are two mild forms of exercise that are good ways to tone the muscles of the back and help prevent an attack of sciatica.
Remember that before you start exercise if you have sciatica you should consult your doctor to receive advice and avoid worsening your illness due to malpractice.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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