Because sciatica is an inflammatory condition, with the sciatic nerve specifically being the target, sciatica fitness and exercise are among the first recommendations from chiropractors. Sciatica is a series of symptoms from various underlying medical causes and condition/s. This could be:

• Too much sitting, which most of us are doing these days
• Work Injuries
• Automobile accident injuries
• Sports injuries
• Awkward movements/motions that pulled the sciatic nerve in the wrong direction
• Twisted sciatic nerve with other muscles
• Back and leg muscle spasms
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Hernia

A Proper/Correct Diagnosis Is Essential

A correct diagnosis of the cause is essential to help the chiropractor formulate a customized optimal treatment plan. Individuals can experience the same symptoms across the board; however, despite the similarities, sciatica requires a careful, customized approach to treatment. An ideal treatment plan often requires a specific exercise regimen and chiropractic adjustment schedule. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Sciatica can be treated effectively with the right chiropractic approach with a high success rate for alleviated symptoms. Effectively treating sciatica requires direct treatment of the specific cause rather than using techniques that only mask the pain. Example: If a herniated disc is the root cause, sciatica can be relieved by reducing the bulge of the disc, thus bringing down the irritation/inflammation and compression of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica treatment/s depends on the cause

A stretching regimen for sciatica caused by a low back herniated disc will be different than stretches for treating low back spinal stenosis. Understanding how sciatica is the key to unlocking a treatment plan that will work to minimize pain and inflammation.

Exercise Can Help

Exercising and sciatica fitness will help relieve sciatic pain in various ways. These include:

• Alleviates the pressure on the sciatic nerve
• Helps reduce inflammation
• An increase in cortisol produced during exercise can reduce inflammation
• Improves the range of motion, which reduces stress on the spine
• Higher activity levels generate adrenaline and endorphins to help combat the pain

Specific exercises/stretches that target the sciatic nerve and root cause need to be done. Working with a chiropractor will bring an understanding of specifically how the body should be worked out, the intensity of the workout, and where on the body the focus should be.

For example, suppose the nerve is irritated by pelvic tilt and low back compression. In that case, a chiropractor could recommend a minimal cardio workout with combined strength exercises for the hamstrings, glutes, and lower body. A strength and conditioning regimen will increase stability in the lower body, prevent pelvic tilt, and reinforce chiropractic adjustments/alignment.

Chiropractic Benefits

However, sciatica fitness and exercise alone are not the complete solutions for dealing with chronic sciatic pain. Chiropractic adjustments and chiropractic prevention are necessary to restore the stability and integrity of the spine. When used in combination with exercise, the re-alignment and corrections can take effect sooner and maintain optimal spinal health. When individuals condition and strengthen their bodies, The musculature that supports the spine gets massive reinforcement. This minimizes the chances of a reoccurring pelvic tilt from weakened core muscles. The long-term effects of sciatica fitness/exercise and chiropractic spinal/hip manipulation work together to form a perfect combination.

Sciatica Fitness

A chiropractic treatment plan is highly recommended for long-term effects of pain relief and a better quality of life. Specific targeted adjustments and re-alignment with a sciatica fitness program will promote optimal health and wellness.

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Correct Bad Posture with Custom Orthotics

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References

Beavers, Kristen M et al. “Effect of exercise training on chronic inflammation.” Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry vol. 411,11-12 (2010): 785-93. doi:10.1016/j.cca.2010.02.069

Coulombe, Brian J et al. “Core Stability Exercise Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain.” Journal of athletic training vol. 52,1 (2017): 71-72. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-51.11.16