I have a case of sciatica that's been bothering me for a month. I thought it was getting better, but last weekend I made the mistake of trying to shovel the 11 inches of snow we got here in northern Illinois and after 10 minutes, I realized I'd made it worse. So I stopped running and now I've stopped walking on the treadmill, which is tough because I'm an exercise addict. The pain starts at the top of my left buttock and sometimes runs down my leg. I also feel it in my hip. It's hard to isolate. But it gets worse when I sit or lie down and feels better when I walk. The question is, am I right to stop the exercise and let it rest for a while? Or is walking possibly therapeutic? (I know the running was a mistake, but I got carried away). Thanks.
Yes, you are right to stop exercising. You should also take an anti-inflammory for a week or so along with using heat or ice to the area. If you don't notice any improvement, it is time to see a spine specialist.
Carol is right. But I would also suggest going into a physiotherapists office and having a consultation. That may help spped up the proccess and give you some relief. Take care and keep us posted. Kristy.
I had the SI joint problem in the spring & went back to physical therapy for it, they had it fixed in 6 weeks. Try pt first, it's the easiest cure. Also, sitting is the worst for the sciatica, it puts all the pressure on the nerve.
my sciatica is piriformis-related, so that might also be the cause. sitting, standing, EVERYTHING hurts the nerve. if you haven't gone for an mri yet, do so. if you have and the results were negative, an injection where the pirirformis meets the femur (greater trochanter) might hone in on the problem. frankly, this particular problem absolutely sucks. good luck to you.
