Sciatica

[fairy!]

I've had mild sciatica on & off for the past couple of weeks.  Both of the light exercises my doc mentioned I already do at pilates.  I went to pilates last night & today my lower back really aches... can I be doing it more harm than good?  & can pilates have caused sciatica?  My doc was baffled that I couldn't think of what I've done recently to cause it.  x

[Scarlett]

Sciatica can come on just through sitting, sleeping, lifting or even SNEEZING the wrong way, so your doc shouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't do anything to stress your back. Just take it easy, avoid lifting, bending and carrying, but do keep moving so you stay supple. You may find ibuprofen helps, as it is an anti-inflammatory, and may mask the pain enough for you to relax, if you are tensing up and causing a spasm somewhere.

[Ouisch]

The yoga show I watch on TV often stresses these exercises for lower back pain - see if they help you at all:

1)  Get on all fours like a dog.  Then arch your back as high as you can, stretching it towards the ceiling.  Hold for a few seconds, then pull it the other way, so you have a sway back and your stomach is reaching for the floor.  Do this about five or six times.

 

2)  Lay on your back and pull your knees to your chest, like a fetal position.  Wrap your arms around your kneews, then slowly move your knees in a small, circular motion.  Go in one direction for four repetitions, then reverse and go the other way.