What starts as a slight aching pain in your lower back and spine can lead to a medical condition called sciatica. Sciatica occurs when the nerves of your spine are compressed by a herniated disk, bone spur, or spinal stenosis; this can cause inflammation and eventually pain in the spinal area.
Sciatica usually starts with a sharp or aching pain in your lower back, quickly spreading to the hips and down the legs; you can feel this pain intermittently or when you cough or sneeze. Most people also feel tingling or muscle weakness around the affected areas, and different activities will cause sciatica flare-ups. This condition is common among people over the age of 20 and affects 10-40% of the population.
Solutions – Is Walking Good for Sciatica?
One of the best solutions to keep sciatic pain under control happens to be very simple: walking.
The effects of walking are often underestimated. However, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay fit and reduce aches and pains around the body. Regular exercise such as walking and core exercises can help prevent sciatica or reduce its effects:
- Increasing blood flow: Many people think that rest will decrease sciatic pain, but regular movement can increase blood flow throughout the body and loosen the pressure around the sciatic nerve.
- Loosening muscles: Walking can help to loosen the muscles compressing your nerves.
- Improved posture: Going for a walk will allow you to practice good posture habits and enjoy good posture benefits – engaging the core muscles that protect your sciatic nerve roots can provide long-term pain relief.
Make sure you follow recommended walking habits. When walking, taking smaller, slower strides and short distances is recommended to avoid compressing the lumbar disks or straining yourself is recommended.
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Visiting a Chiropractor
A great option for people suffering from sciatic nerve pain is to make an appointment with a chiropractor for sciatica treatments.
Chiropractic treatments focus on conditions in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, relieving painful discomforts through a holistic and hands-on approach. This treatment involves applied pressure on areas of the body.
Chiropractors in Quincy and other South Shore regions will create custom treatment plans to relieve your sciatic nerve pain. They can also provide at-home sciatica stretches to continue your care outside the office.
Our professional sports injury chiropractors at Weymouth Chiropractic and Wellness Center can provide the best care for you in case of sciatic pain exacerbated by physical activity.
Schedule an appointment today and explore your treatment options!