Sciatica: Exercises to Avoid

Sciatica is the largest nerve in the human body, which runs from the spinal cord to the buttocks and hip and further down to the leg and foot. It is the sciatica nerve, which provides the sensation to the thighs, legs and feet. The intensity of sciatica pain can vary from mild ache to sharp pain. This pain is known to haunt the lower back, buttocks, hips and legs. In some cases, a tingling or pins and needles sensation is also seen in the toes. There are some exercises to release sciatic nerve pain, but there are some exercises which are better avoided. Many a time, when we are suffering, we always look for remedies that will help in alleviating the condition. However, we normally neglect, to check what can aggravate the problem. Read below for the sciatica exercises to avoid to alleviate the problem.

Exercises to Avoid for Sciatica

There are a number of exercises to relieve sciatica. Exercises to avoid however, are a few. A very important note to remember is that exercises that cause strain on the lower back should be avoided. Let's get to know what are these exercises for sciatica.

• If you are suffering from sciatica, any kind of heavy stretch of the hamstring is to be avoided. Hamstring stretch not only stretches the hamstring, but it also stretches the root of the sciatica nerve. Stretching of the root of the sciatica nerve can cause severe injury, hence it is better avoided.
• When dealing with a sciatica problem, abdominal stretches are also better avoided. Abdominal stretches are known to exert pressure on the spine and also cause severe nerve irritation. These stretches should be done only after the symptoms of sciatica subside down completely.
• Standing full body squats with barbells on the shoulders should be avoided at any cost. This is one of the most spine damaging exercise and often causes lower spine injuries. While doing this exercise, the weight of the barbell rests on the spine, causing total compression of the spine and inter-vertrebral discs. This is often the cause of herniations and pinched nerves. These result in the most common symptoms of pain, which radiates into the buttocks and legs.
• Total compression of the spine is also caused by heavy deadlifts. This often causes spine pain and aggravates sciatica problem. Many young men boast about their weightlifting skills but are unaware of the consequences of lifting these heavy weights.
• Bent over rows also belong in the trinity of full body squats and deadlifts. The position of spine, while doing the bent over rows, is very dangerous for the health of the spine. This exercise exerts a lot of pressure on the spine and spinal discs. Often herniated discs are caused due to this exercise.
• Straight legged sit ups is another exercise, which is to be avoided by people suffering with sciatica. These exercises also put a lot of pressure on the spinal discs.

Weightlifting exercises without proper and sufficient support to the lower back are often the cause of injury to the sciatica nerve. It is better to stick to low impact exercises which do not put any pressure on the spine. It is important to strengthen the back muscles. If you want to try any advanced exercises, you will need to speak to your health care professional about it. The advanced exercises should be chosen carefully. You will have to take care, that the advanced exercises do not exert pressure on the back and hamstring muscles.

The most important point to remember in the sciatica exercises to avoid, is that you should also focus your attention on stretching and strengthening the muscles which surround the sciatica nerve. The best exercise to strengthen the back is the pelvic tilt. It is a simple exercise which can be made to be a part of your daily schedule easily. Make sure your exercise program does not worsen the problem instead of alleviating it.