Sciatica? Pain either way.

[Sjp183]

After my 1st run yesterday I felt fabulous...until last night. After an hour in bed awoke with hip/thigh/lower back pain. Struggled to sleep, sprayed heat spray but I'm in pain. Just off to walk the dog now and see if it eases. I'm on my feet at work 9 until 6 too. Should I push through it and take ibuprofen? Or change to swimming until my weight is reduced. I'm around 4 stones overweight. I didn't have this problem last time and I know running really helps clear my head. Help!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The body does protest any new exercise.... it wonders what is happening! After just one run, it is difficult to know if there is a problem or if it is a natural response to the exercise..

Walking will stop you stiffening up...as for running... you need to go really, really slowly...

Make sure you are well warmed up,,, and try the next run after your rest day. Strength and Flex exercises will help on the rest days, swimming too..

nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an...

The extra weight will, as you know be impacting, so... a healthy eating regime combined with the programme will help you .

If you are in pain, take the Ibuprofen...but do not run if you are taking it.. that would mask any pain you may be having...not a good idea. You need to see what is going on with your body

[ANewMe2022 Graduate]

When my sciatica rears it's ugly head, I get the old faithful tennis ball out. It just sits in the right spot and lets me get off to sleep. Hubby is not too pleased when I roll over, it moves, and he gets on it though !...xx

[Sjp183 in reply to ANewMe2022]

😂😂 poor hubby. I'll warm mine. Just place it under my back?

[ANewMe2022 Graduate in reply to Sjp183]

I use it at various points where the discomfort stems from. Wriggle around on it and it's like a very deep massage. You could also have a look on the NHS Choices Fitness Suite at Pilates for Back Pain...xx

[Hillrunner2201]

I've heard that walking is often the best remedy for back pain. Some gentle core strengthening exercises will help as well.

[Sjp183 in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Thank you. I have some exercises off the NHS website and the dog walk did ease it a little.

[misswobble Graduate]

Walking is good, not far and not fast. Just keeping moving while losing weight. yoga and Pilates are good for strengthening the back and will certainly help with running

Healthy eating is a given 🌶🌽🍓🥕🥒🍆

[Sjp183 in reply to misswobble]

Thank you. I'm not going to let this knock me off track. I know it'll be easier when my weight is reduced.

[misswobble Graduate]

We have some exercise machine in our park, some of which are non-load bearing so don't cause any probs with joints etc. I used them when I hurt my leg. There might be one near you. I used the kit every morning. It's better when you feel like you are doing something, as it means you are taking part in your recovery, so it does help your mood. I love walking, and try to do as much as I can. I do have a car but use it rarely these days.

As your weight comes down, you should feel much more mobile. It's quite amazing in fact. I felt like a springbok once I'd ditched the lard, and was bounding about here, there and everywhere. Like a new woman! You will be too.

Good luck!