Should I Push Through Sciatic Pain?

How to Manage Sciatic Pain: Push Through or Rest?

Sciatic pain is a common condition that affects many people, especially those who sit for long periods of time or have a history of back problems. Sciatic pain occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the legs, is compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other causes. Sciatic pain can range from mild to severe and cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

Many people wonder if they should push through sciatic pain or rest until it goes away. The answer is not simple, as different cases of sciatic pain may require different approaches. However, this article offers some general guidelines that can help you decide what to do if you experience sciatic pain.

When to Push Through Sciatic Pain

In some cases, pushing through sciatic pain may be beneficial for your recovery. This does not mean you should ignore your pain or overexert yourself but that you should maintain a moderate level of physical activity and avoid prolonged bed rest. Some examples of when you may want to push through sciatic pain are:

• When your pain is mild to moderate and does not interfere with your daily activities
• When your pain is caused by a temporary condition, such as pregnancy or muscle spasm, and is expected to resolve on its own
• When your pain responds well to conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice therapy, massage, or stretching exercises
• When your doctor or physical therapist advises you to continue with your normal routine or a specific exercise program

When to Rest with Sciatic Pain

In other cases, resting with sciatic pain may be necessary for your healing, particularly in the last stages of sciatica. This does not mean you should stay in bed all day, but you should limit your activity and avoid movements that aggravate your pain. Some examples of when you may want to rest with sciatic pain are:

• When your pain is severe and prevents you from performing your daily activities
• When your pain is caused by a serious condition, such as a spinal fracture or infection, and requires medical attention
• When your pain does not improve or worsens with conservative treatments and may need more invasive interventions, such as injections or surgery
• When your doctor or physical therapist advises you to rest or modify your activity until your condition improves

How to Find the Right Balance

The key to finding the right balance between pushing through and resting with sciatic pain is to listen to your body and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. Everyone’s experience of sciatic pain is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to how your leg or low back pain affects you and how it responds to different treatments. You should also consult with your doctor or physical therapist regularly and follow his or her recommendations on how to manage your sciatic pain.

Some general tips that can help you find the right balance are:

• Start with gentle movements and gradually increase your activity level as tolerated
• Avoid activities that cause or worsen your pain, such as bending, twisting, lifting heavy objects, or sitting for long periods of time
• Make necessary changes in your daily routines and workspace to maintain proper posture and reduce stress on the sciatic nerve
• Apply heat or ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications as needed, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so
• Perform stretching exercises that target the lower back, hips, and legs, as instructed by your doctor or physical therapist

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you experience any of these conditions, you should seek medical attention: 

• Persistent pain – If the pain persists for more than a few weeks, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan
• Loss of bowel or bladder control – This is a severe symptom that requires immediate medical attention, as it may indicate a severe issue compressing the nerve
• Muscle weakness – If you experience muscle weakness, particularly in the leg, it is crucial to see a doctor, as it may signify nerve damage
• Ineffectiveness of home remedies – If your home remedies and self-care strategies are not providing relief, it is time to seek professional guidance

Sciatic pain can be a challenging condition to deal with, but it does not have to stop you from living your life. By finding the right balance between pushing through and resting, you can improve your recovery and reduce your discomfort. Remember to listen to your body and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. With proper care and treatment, you can overcome sciatic pain and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

If you have sciatica due to a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure,having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.