What activities make sciatica pain worse?

Donna Hill Howes, RN

Family Practitioner

There are several activities that may worsen your sciatica pain. These include straightening your leg, running, walking, stair-climbing, lifting the leg up from a lying position, or sitting for too long. In some cases, sneezing or coughing or even laughing may aggravate it. You may find relief from the pain by straightening your back, or resting on a firm mattress or sitting with the feet on the floor for a short period of time.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Sciatica

Sciatica is when you have pain, weakness or tingling that radiates down your leg. It is usually caused by disc problems in your spinal column but can also be caused by other problems. The pain involved in sciatica can vary from a mild tingling to severe, disabling pain. It usually occurs on one side. Because sciatica is a symptom, the cause of the problem needs to be discovered and treated. If you have severe sciatica, you may want to consult a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the nervous system.

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What activities make sciatica pain worse?

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