Exercising with Sciatica: Is It Possible?

How does your back pain or sciatica impact your daily routine, including work, household chores, or recreational activities? Have you had to make any significant lifestyle changes due to your discomfort? Did you ever have to give up exercising because your pain is unbearable? Well, here’s the good news: exercising with sciatica is possible, but you have to make sure you listen to your body. You can also try seeking help from a chiropractor for sciatica and leg pain near Redwood City to make sure you address the root cause of your pain.

Sciatica is a common lower back problem causing pain, numbness, or burning sensations in the hips, buttocks, and legs. Despite the discomfort, exercise plays a vital role in managing sciatica symptoms. Here are eight sciatica exercises you can explore:

#1. Curl-Ups

• Start by lying flat on your back with knees bent.
• Place your hands behind your head for support.
• Use your abs to lift your head and shoulders off the floor.
• Hold for three seconds and relax.
• Aim for 10 repetitions, gradually increasing.

#2. Superman Stretch

• Lay on your stomach, arms extended overhead.
• Tighten abs and lift arms, head, chest, and legs off the ground.
• Hold each rep for five seconds, gradually increasing.

#3. Hip Raises

• Lie on your back with knees bent, arms at sides.
• Raise hips off the ground, creating a straight line.
• Strengthening exercise for the lower back and glutes.

#4. Planking

• Rest on forearms and toes, keeping elbows in line with shoulders.
• Engage abs to prevent midsection sagging.
• Work up to holding for 60 seconds.

#5. Side Plank

• Work the muscles at the sides of your abdomen.
• Lay on one side, raise yourself up on one forearm.
• Maintain a straight line from feet to head.

#6. Leg-Raises

• Perform flat on your back, arms at sides.
• Lift one leg a few inches off the ground, keeping it straight.
• Do 10-15 reps on each side.

#7. Piriformis Stretch

• Lay on your back, knees bent.
• Cross left ankle over right knee.
• Gently pull the right knee toward your chest.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then switch legs.

#8. Bird Dog

• Start on hands and knees.
• Alternate stretching each leg back with the opposite arm forward.
• Aim for 10 reaches on each side.

How Can a Chiropractor for Sciatica and Leg Pain Near Redwood City Help?

A chiropractor, particularly those who practice Upper Cervical Care, can offer lasting relief by addressing misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Highlighting the connection between misalignment and sciatica, this method restores balance and alignment of your atlas and axis bones. If your pain persists after weeks of home remedy and exercise, you may need assistance from a chiropractor for sciatica and leg pain near Redwood City, especially after accidents, injuries, or poor posture. Schedule a consultation with us to know if Upper Cervical Care suits your needs.