Dr. Jeffrey I. Kennis,  D.C.
205 Commercial St Boston, MA 02109 NORTH END

( 617)720-2329


 

Walking can relieve your sciatic pain by spurring the release of pain-fighting endorphins and reducing inflammation. On the other hand, poor walking form may aggravate your sciatica symptoms.

Watch Video: 4 Little-Known Natural Pain Relievers

To help improve your form—and avoid sciatic pain—try these 2 walking tips:

See How Your Walking Posture Affects Your Sciatic Nerve

1. Shorten your stride to protect your sciatic nerve

Long strides can irritate your sciatic nerve by compressing your lumbar discs.

Follow these pointers to shorten your steps:

  • Don’t reach with your toes. Land between your midfoot and heel, then gently roll onto your toes and push off into the next stride. This will naturally shorten your strides because it’s difficult to roll your foot when it’s far from your body.
  • Slow down. A slower pace typically means shorter steps. You should be able to comfortably hold a conversation while walking.

See Techniques for Effective Exercise Walking

2. Engage your core muscles to support your spine

Actively engaging your abdominal muscles protects your sciatic nerve roots by minimizing pressure on your spine.

Here’s how to use your abdominal muscles:

  • Stand upright. Keep your head and shoulders tall and focus on a spot in the distance.
  • Suck in your stomach. Pull your stomach slightly toward your body for the duration of your walk. Take deep breaths and keep a comfortable pace, otherwise you’ll find it challenging to engage your abdominal muscles for your entire walk.

See Exercise Walking for Better Back Health

If walking isn't for you, try one of these low-impact aerobic exercise options:

Learn more:

Treadmills for Exercise and Pain Relief

Myths About Sciatica Treatment Options

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