What exercise can I do with sciatica and a herniated disc?

by Jackie
(Oregon, USA)

The general info article on exercise was good. Thanks.

I have a very specific question regarding the kinds of exercises I can do without causing too much stress to my lower back. I have a herniated disc with sciatica on the left side.

I have always been active so not doing any aerobics is adding to my unhappiness level. I am doing some yoga for my back but need something that can burn some fat off of my stomach as well. My weight is alright.110lbs.
Thanks.

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Dear Jackie,

Thank you for asking your question and for the feedback. I'm glad it was useful.

I have also experienced sciatica and in addition to physical therapy, walking, swimming and light rebounding (mini-trampoline exercise) have proven very effective as far as cardiovascular exercise. (Aerobics are a type of cardiovascular exercise.)

Improving your circulation via cardiovascular exercise will help the body recover faster if you are giving it good nutrition to repair itself with.

I recommend these articles on the benefits of rebounding and on the different types of exercise:
Rebounding Benefits
Types of Exercise

Excellent on doing the yoga! I've found yoga exercise awesome for strengthening and improving flexibility and overall health improvement - plus a super feeling of well-being.

Your body will burn fat most efficiently with eating less carbohydrate and adding some sort of strength/resistance exercise to your life. There is no such thing as burning fat in just one area. Swimming and mini trampoline exercise are both cardiovascular and strength training exercises.

Sincerely,
BB

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Comments for What exercise can I do with sciatica and a herniated disc? Average Rating Click here to add your own comments

Rating No trampoline! by: Anonymous As a person with a herniated lumbar disc and sciatica I would strongly advise against any type of trampoline exercises. That could make your situation worse as when you jump, your spine compresses. If your disc is bulging this can push it out even more. Swimming is awesome low impact exercise, however unless you have access to an indoor pool in the winter, it's a bit of a season activity. One time my sciatica flared up I did a lot of Pilates and that really seemed to help a lot. I need to go back to that. Do what you can and stop if it even slightly hurts. [Note from editor: Mini trampoline exercise can be done at a very low intensity, called the "health bounce" where your feet do not leave the mat. This is very safe but gives your body an effective cardiovascular and strength building workout.]

Rating Iyengar Yoga by: Anonymous I know you are already doing yoga but I would do more! I had the same thing, with a prolapsed disk and sciatica and found that only through Iyengar yoga* did I develop the strength and flexibility in my body that I felt I could safely do cardio exercise. Once your muscles structures are firm to support you you should be able to do whatever exercise you like. You will be aware enough of your body to stop if it hurts too! {Editor: Definition of Iyengar Yoga, created by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of yoga known for its use of props, such as belts, blocks, and blankets, as aids in performing asanas (postures). The props enable students to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the postures accessible to both young and old. The development of strength, mobility, and stability are emphasized through the asanas.)

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