How To Cycle With Sciatica

Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic exercise that you can perform with sciatica. Exercise helps build your leg and core muscles, and relieves the sciatic nerve pain that runs down the back of your leg. According to the Mayo Clinic, endorphins that your body releases during exercise work as natural painkillers to help your sciatic pain feel better after a cycle ride. A few adjustments to your cycle may increase comfort which will allow you to spend more time on the cycle.

Step 1

Tilt your cycle seat forward and take a ride to see if this adjustment makes riding more comfortable. Adjust the seat with a backward tilt, if the forward tilt does not help with pain. Experiment with the tilt until you find the best placement for your personal pain relief while riding.

Step 2

Raise or lower the seat height if tilting offers no pain relief while riding the cycle. You will have to experiment with the height and take several test rides to see if any of the adjustments help with pain while riding.

Step 3

Visit a cycle store to see if you can purchase a wider or padded seat for your bike. Ask to test the seat before purchasing, to see if this adjustment helps relieve sciatica pain while cycling.

Step 4

Raise the handlebars so your body does not hunch forward, if poor posture is increasing the pain coming from the sciatic nerve. Consider changing to a different bike style if the handlebar height is not adjustable. Test frame styles at a bike store to find one that fits your body type and reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Tips and Warnings

Consult with your physician if you are not currently active and would like to start cycling for exercise. He may have suggestions for pain relief on the cycle, and information to get you started with a new exercise program. Avoid lifting your cycle to prevent straining the sciatic nerve and increasing the pain you feel. A recumbent bike may offer relief from sciatic pain for some people. Test a recumbent bike at a health club or fitness store to see if this is a better option for you.