Is Pilates Good Exercise for Sciatica?

The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg painmuscles and teach posterior pelvic tilt which allows the
and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness thatclient perform more activities and exercises with less
travels from the low back through the buttock andpain.
down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.2. Degenerative Disc Disease: Focus on spinal
Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30stabilization exercises, back extension exercises
and 50 years of age. Often any particular event orincluding the McKenzie method. All Pilates exercises
injury does not cause sciatica, but rather it tends toare focusing spinal stabilization, so Pilates for DDD is
develop as a result of general wear and tear on thereally beneficial. However, back is fragile for DDD
structures of the lower spine.clients, so full flexion and intermediate spine articulation
Common causes of sciatica are Lumbar Herniatedexercises are in some cases contraindicated.
disc, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease,3. Spondylolisthesis: Focus on flexion based exercises
Spondylolisthesis, Piriformis syndrome and Sacroiliacand spinal stabilization program. It’s important to
Joint Dysfunction.teach how the lumbar spine remains stable in a flexed
Exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain thanposition.
bed rest. Sciatica exercises are also important for the4. Piriformis syndrome: Focus on stretching piriformis
health of the spinal discs. Movement helps exchangemuscle, hamstring muscles and hip extensor muscles.
nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep themMaybe only stretching exercises is enough to help to
healthy. Many sciatica exercises focus ondecrease this painful symptom. Finding neural pelvic
strengthening the abdominal and back muscles in orderposition, spinal stabilization training and hip range of
to provide more support for the back, so do Pilates.motion are all important for people with piriformis
Many Pilates studios are marketing their services as asyndrome.
treatment for lower back pain and sciatica, but does5. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Focus on restore range
Pilates really help? Yes, it really helps if you find a goodof motion in SI-joint, which can be limited if the joint is
Pilates instructor who has back pain rehabilitationinflamed. So, spinal stabilization, pelvic and hip exercises
experience and who is familiar with your diagnosis,are all good.
diseases and symptoms. Why Pilates instructorAll the above diagnoses cause sciatica pain but as
knowledge is so important? Because all Pilatesyou see the recommended exercises are very
exercises do not fit all sciatica clients and somedifferent. Pilates in general is good but definitely there is
exercises might be even contraindicated.no “one size fits all” exercise for sciatica pain
Here are briefly some underlying exercises that spineclients. It’s very important for Pilates instructors to
specialists recommend for each diagnosis of sciatica .know the client’s history of sciatica pain before
These exercises help to relieve pain and preventthey plan any Pilates program for their client. However,
further back problems:carefully planned Pilates program with a good
1. Spinal stenosis: Focus on flexion exercises (forwardhands-on skilled instructor make the life of sciatica pain
bending). Flexing the lower spine relives pain and nerveclient easier by relieving pain, strengthening and
irritation for people with spinal stenosis. They often feelstretching muscles and increasing spine and joints
better bending forward than standing up straight. Stillrange of motion. “Motion is lotion” is true here.
it’s important to strengthen back and abdominal