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Walking for Sciatica

Walking for sciatica is an easy exercise therapy option which can help to rehabilitate patients who have lost physical functionality due to chronic back and leg pain. Walking is not a solution unto itself from sciatic nerve pain, but is certainly a step in the right direction (pardon the pun…)

Walking for Sciatica Treatment

It is important to remind the reader that although many cases of sciatic nerve pain are blamed on a spinal structural source, the majority of all painful radiculopathy complaints are actually the result of oxygen deprivation of the neurological and muscular structures. This process is commonly called ischemia.

Walking is a great way to increase localized circulation of blood (and therefore oxygen) to painful areas of the lower back, buttocks and legs. Walking is low impact and is usually quite comfortable for patients, even if other activities might elicit pain. Walking should provide temporary relief from sciatica and this symptomatic alleviation will also help to confirm a suspicion of oxygen deprivation as the real source of pain.

Walking for Sciatica Guidelines

If you intend on using walking as a sciatica exercise treatment option, be sure to keep some important guidelines in mind:

* Start slowly and do not walk too far or too fast right away.

* Slowly increase your endurance by increasing speed and distance daily.

* Walk somewhere safe. Shopping malls and running tracks are ideal. I love to walk on the boardwalk in Long Beach, NY so that I can look at the beautiful Atlantic Ocean! Do not walk in secluded areas or in areas of high traffic. Make sure to bring a mobile phone with you, especially if you are walking far from home.

* Stay hydrated and do not eat right before walking.

Walking for Sciatica Advice

Walking is a wonderful activity and should help you to get involved with the physical exercise your body must miss since being limited by the ravages of sciatica. Make sure to speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise program, to make sure that there are no contraindications to using walking for pain relief and muscular rehabilitation.

If you can not find good and safe areas to walk, consider buying a treadmill, or better yet, an elliptical trainer. I love my elliptical and use it during the winter and on rainy days when I can’t get out of the house. There are inexpensive options available for home exercise equipment and many devices even fold for easy storage in your home.

Just remember that walking alone is not a cure for sciatica. It is merely a beginning… Combined with knowledge therapy, walking is a great double dose of information and exercise which should really help you rejoin the active world soon!

Walking for Sciatica to Sciatica Home
8/27/09 Revised 12/16/09