Sciatica & Jogging

Jogging for overall fitness has become a worldwide obsession. Dr. Sean McCance reports a February 2008 article for Spine-Health that the increase of repetitive high-impact activities such as jogging has been associated with an increase in overall incidences of sciatica. While running is not the cause of sciatica, it may exacerbate the symptoms if you don't correct the root cause. With proper modifications made available through technology and overall understanding of health care and fitness professionals, many athletes can resume pain-free running sooner than ever.

Sciatica

Sciatica consists of pain that radiates from the low back through the buttock and down the back of the leg, along the path of the sciatic nerve; it may be associated with numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected lower extremity. In a March 2000 article in Spine-Health, Dr. Stephen Hochschuler explains that because inflammation causes most incidences of sciatica, the condition will resolve within a few weeks or months with proper care and rest.

Causes

Because the sciatic nerves originate in the spine, any activities that increase pressure on the spine may contribute to sciatica. The repetitive vertical forces placed on the spine while jogging can be a contributing factor by placing increased pressure on the intervertebral discs. Another factor to consider is the alignment of the pelvis. The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis via the sacrum, and any imbalance in the musculature or bony alignment in this area may put pressure on the nerve.

Factors for Runners to Consider

Because good alignment of the lower spine, hip and pelvis is imperative to proper function of the sciatic nerve, runners need to consider several factors if they are having hip or leg pain. Proper footwear is important, and a runner should ensure that the shoes he uses allow optimal foot alignment. Improper support may affect alignment throughout the body. In addition, runners need to consider whether the surface on which they are running allows for symmetrical body movements. A canted road may cause the runner to lean slightly to one side, thereby putting more pressure on the "downhill" lower extremity. A muscle imbalance also can cause misalignment within the running posture. Sciatica can affect the proper firing of the sciatic nerve, reducing motor function of the lower extremity. For this reason, a person with sciatica should not run until symptoms have resolved.

Prevention and Treatment

A runner may perform back and hip stretching activities to prevent or treat sciatica. In her textbook "Sciatica Solutions: Diagnosis, Treatment and Cure of Spinal and Piriformis Problems," Dr. Loren Fishman recommends performing stretches that open the spineand that enhance hip mobility. Primarily, regular hamstring and piriformis stretching will keep the sciatic nerve mobile along the back of the leg while allowing for proper pelvic alignment in relation to the spine. Perform all stretches slowly and only to the point of mild pulling, not pain. Dr. Fishman also notes that pelvic and lower abdominal stabilization exercises may help treat sciatica. Always ease back into physical activity gradually and consider performing activities in a pool until running pain subsides. Consult your physician should symptoms persist or become more severe.