Sciatica is a painful symptom brought upon by pressure being applied to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from your spine to your legs and helps to control muscle movement throughout your body. While jogging does not directly cause sciatica, it could worsen your symptoms.
Definition
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain radiating down your back and through your buttocks and legs. The pain originates from the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, which runs down your spinal cord to the back of each leg. Sciatica is the result of compression on the nerve. However, is not a disorder, but it is considered a symptom of an underlying problem.
Causes
One common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk in your spine. Disks are gel-like substances between vertebrae that absorb shock and give flexibility to the spine. If these disks tear, gel can press against the nerve, causing pain, numbness and weakness. Sciatica can also be caused by trauma, tumors, slipped vertebrae and muscle spasms.
Jogging
Jogging alone will not cause sciatica. However, it could aggregate your symptoms and increase pain. Any activity that puts pressure on the nerve can cause pain. If jogging proves to be too painful, stop for a few days and use self-care treatments such as ice and heat packs.
You should not go without exercise for too long, however. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity is one of the best ways to combat chronic discomfort. Try low-impact exercise such as a stationary bike or water exercise when you cannot run.
Treatment
Most cases of sciatica respond well to home treatment. This includes the use of hot and cold packs, stretching and over-the-counter medicine. If these steps prove ineffective, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. Physical therapy will aim to correct posture and improve strength and flexibility in your spine. Your doctor can also provide prescription medication for pain relief. If physical therapy does not improve your condition after several months, there are more aggressive treatment options, including epidural injections and surgery. However, these are usually only used in severe cases.
Prevention
Sciatica can be a difficult condition to prevent. The Mayo Clinic recommends exercising regularly, maintaining good posture when you are sitting and using good body mechanics. These preventive measures will strengthen your muscles and limit the stress put on your back, joints and nerves.
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