How Does Exercise Alleviate Sciatica in Vacaville?

Sciatica in Vacaville is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which usually starts from your buttock/gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, so it's connected to most parts.

A real injury to the sciatic nerve is actually rare, but the term "sciatica" is used to describe any pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg. The pain shares some similarities to an injury in the nerve, which causes symptoms like compression, inflammation, irritation, or pinching of a nerve in your lower back.

Exercise and Sciatica in Vacaville

Everybody knows that exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, but it could also do more than just that. It could also help prevent injuries and may even treat conditions like sciatica or back pain.

Sciatica is common in people who lack exercising and stretching, wherein it can cause muscle imbalances in the body. For example, having tight glutes or hamstrings can tilt the pelvis area and will add strain on the lower back. These imbalances can cause pain throughout the body starting from the lower legs and all the way up to the neck.

It is worth noting that most general exercises, such as walking, will not help alleviate sciatica pain. There are some exercises that can even worsen your sciatica. Athletes are no exception from this condition, which adds further proof that exercise alone will not prevent it. For exercise to alleviate sciatic nerve pain, you must first address the main cause of your sciatica. Once these underlying issues have been addressed, you can start doing a targeted exercise program that is designed to eliminate muscle imbalances in the body.

Stretching vs Exercising for Sciatica

Many people in pain are intimated every time they hear the word sciatica. They thought that their pain makes workouts impossible to do. This mindset is the reason why these people still remain in their pained state. A bit of rest will do you some good but too much inactivity and bed rest could worsen your condition. Fortunately, there are many simple stretches that can be done at home so there's no reason for you not to do it. These targeted sciatica stretches won't require any visits to your physical therapist, expensive equipment, or strenuous exercises.

Additional Exercise for Sciatica

If ever those stretches are not working for you, then that's the time you seek out the help of a physical therapist. Physical therapists are licensed on being able to provide a structured stretching and exercise program that you can follow, especially if you need additional guidance.

You can also do some yoga if you're not so much into stretching or exercise. Yoga poses can help loosen tight muscles in the body while also alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is not meant to be lived with every day because of how it interferes with one's daily life. If you are one of those who are unfortunate enough to have it, then it's time that you seek out a specialist for the pain. You can visit us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine because we provide a treatment that is focused on sciatica. To learn more, just dial (707) 474-5688 and set up an appointment with our clinic if you want.