Sciatica

[Jayne2153e]

My husband and I were beginning to really see some benefits of the programme and although we were finding Week 4 quite hard were determined to keep going and finish regardless of how long it takes. Then Wednesday last week I suddenly developed a nasty turn of sciatica and was near enough immobile for several days (although I was making myself keep moving).

Thankfully it’s a lot better now but I am still getting quite a lot of painful twinges so how long should I leave it before I start running again do people think - should I start up again now or leave it until I’m not getting any pain at all?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Keep moving.. keep mobile but maybe not run .... keep on with the sciatica exercise... they will help... when the pain has gone, then head out, steady and slow..

The NHS exercises are good...and I did the YouTube squats when I had a trapped sciatic nerve.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/e...

youtube.com/watch?v=jnJvgE8...(Not working as expected?)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As mentioned in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you don't lose any significant condition in the first two weeks of non running, so if it takes a bit longer than that, then just go out and see what you can comfortably manage.

Is the sciatica something new to you?

Could it be caused by running?

As Oldfloss says, don't run in pain.

Take care.

[Jayne2153e Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

No it’s something I’ve had on and off for a number of years so it’s not the running that’s causing it.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Is sciatica a regular problem for you, or has it been bought on by running? If it's the running, take extra care with your posture. Try not to sink into your pelvis, make sure you do some dynamic stretches before you start and cool down stretches at the end.

I've had sciatica in the past so I know how painful it can be. I hope you're fully recovered soon.

[Jayne2153e Graduate]

Semi regular so it’s not the running that’s caused it.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Have you tried Pilates? I used to get sciatica but since I found a good Pilates coach, and do it regularly, I hardly ever get it now. And since I started running my core is even stronger.

For the pain, try lying on the floor on your back, with legs up at right angle and knees bent, resting lower legs and feet on a coffee table or footstool. Let your muscles relax into the pose. (I watch TV, or have the radio on).