For athletes that engage in strenuous training routines, their fitness habits could be the main source for their sciatica. Located around the area of the buttocks, there’s a small muscle known as the piriformis muscle, which functions by supporting the hip and allowing the outward rotation of the legs. But, if this small muscle becomes inflamed and tightens, the symptoms of sciatica may develop. Exercises that focus mainly on the legs moving away from the body can increase the chance for individuals to experience sciatica, especially in athletes who have weaker interior thigh muscles.
Lifting is another physical activity that frequently causes
sciatica. Athletes who have weaker core muscles can also increase their chance
of experiencing a herniated disc while lifting. Improper lifting techniques are
usually the root cause contributing to the development of this painful spinal
complication. Sciatica is almost inevitable for a majority of athletes, mainly
because of the constant, repetitive, and often excessive pressure they place on
their body. Nonetheless, individuals can work together with a chiropractor or
physical therapist to strengthen specific regions, such as the core and inner
thighs, to improve the symptoms and prevent damage or injury from future exercises.
Chiropractic and Athletic Performance
As an athlete, choosing the proper equipment for a specific
sport or physical activity is essential towards improving performance and
avoiding injury. Improper footwear could be causing sciatica for many athletes.
An athlete’s shoes should fit properly around the foot as well as provide
adequate cushioning and arch support, especially for sports or physical
activities which involve plenty of running. Investing in custom fit shoes,
measured and tailored by a professional, can ensure an athlete will have the
best fitting footwear for their specific fitness routine.
Sciatica symptoms can be treated several ways. Using a
combination of both hot and cold therapy may help ease an athlete’s symptoms of
pain and discomfort from sciatica. Cold therapy helps numb the tissue as well
as reduce the inflammation around the affected region. Cold treatments are
usually more efficient if used for the first two to seven days of sciatica
pain. Hot therapy can help soothe muscle pain and spasms by dilating blood
vessels and increasing the amount of oxygen on the affected region. Hot
treatments are usually more efficient if used after the initial development of
the symptoms of sciatica.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you’ve
experienced symptoms of sciatica. A chiropractor, for example, will be able to
diagnose and determine whether an individual’s symptoms are the result of
structural weakness, improper fitness habits, or an underlying condition. Some
cases may require following medical treatment and it’s important to follow the
appropriate measures to treat an athlete’s sciatica, allowing them to resume
back to their exercise routines as soon as possible.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
