Is Swimming Good for SciaticaIs Swimming Good for Sciatica? / Structural
Sciatica
can be caused by a great number of possible sources, both anatomical and psychosomatic. Bodily causes of sciatica, such as
herniated discs
and
spinal osteoarthritis,
can be very limiting physically and this may make sufferers less likely to seek exercise. However, keeping active is crucial for all people and swimming provides a safe and fun way to move around without the possibility of jarring injury common to higher impact sports and activities. In these cases, swimming is not likely to provide any
sciatica relief,
but will help to maintain a healthy body and increase cardiovascular capacity.
Is Swimming Good for Sciatica? / IschemicIf swimming does provide considerable pain relief, regardless of your diagnosis, the most common actual source of pain is ischemia. Swimming gets the blood flowing very efficiently and pain due to oxygen deprivation will immediately lessen when exercise is provided to the affected area. However, the pain relieving qualities are temporary and will end once the blood flow returns to normal. This is not a good long term solution to psychosomatic sciatica, but it is certainly helpful as part of the diagnostic process…Is Swimming Good for Sciatica? / AdvicePatients write to me all the time stating how they have been diagnosed with a particular structural abnormality, such as a herniated disc. They do not even think to question their diagnosis, but will add to their letters that they enjoy the pain relieving benefits of swimming, running or any other vigorous activity. Somehow, they never make the connection between the activity benefit and the diagnostic error… How can swimming help the pain from a disc which is supposed to be pressing on a spinal nerve root? It can’t. It can, however, increase blood flow to the affected area and temporarily stave off the effects of regional oxygen deprivation. This is logical and represents the experiences of most people diagnosed with a structural scapegoat being blamed for their pain. Remember this if you are among the countless millions who find a variety of short term fixes for their sciatica, but no real cure. The cure will likely never come, since the diagnosis has been flawed all along…Ending on a positive note, please DO enjoy swimming. I do! I actually joined a health club about 16 months ago just to take year round advantage of their pool! It is fantastic!!! Not as good as the ocean, but still nice... Is Swimming Good for Sciatica to Sciatica 6/22/10 Revised 7/28/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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