Are you suffering from sciatica? An estimated 5 to 10 percent of people suffer from this painful condition, which affects the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back to the legs. While traditionally sciatica has been treated through rest, medication, and surgery — there are several positive benefits that come with strengthening your back for sciatica.

First of all, the key benefit of strengthening exercises for sciatica is that they can reduce the intensity of your pain. Traditional treatments, such as rest and medication, may provide temporary relief, but strengthening workouts can bolster the muscles of your spine and actually inhibit the source of your pain. Strengthening your back muscles will not only reduce the duration of your pain, but it can also prevent additional injuries from occurring.

Strengthening your back can also improve your posture. Postural defects are a common contributing factor to sciatica – if they are not addressed early on, can cause serious spinal alignment issues and pain. As the abdominal and lower back muscles strengthen, they can better support your spine and joints, helping to ease symptoms and prevent worsening of your condition.

Strengthening can also help to reduce inflammation. When sciatica flares up, your joints and muscles become swollen and irritated. Strengthening exercises will be gentle but effective at increasing blood flow to these areas, which can promote natural healing and reduce inflammation.

Finally, strengthening exercises can help you restore balance and stability in your body. The sciatic nerve is responsible for controlling a variety of motions, including bending, turning, and standing. Weakness in your spine or muscles can make it difficult for you to carry out these movements correctly, increasing your risk of injury. Regular strengthening workouts can help restore balance in your body, thus reducing these risks.

Whether you are suffering from an acute episode of sciatica or you are dealing with a chronic condition, strength exercises are an effective way to reduce your pain and discomfort and help prevent future injuries. There is an array of exercises that can help you strengthen your sciatica, including simple stretching, chair stands, planks, and bridges. Additionally, many yoga poses can help with postural restoration and promoting spinal balance.

If you are experiencing pain due to sciatica, it is important to talk to your doctor and have a personal routine tailored to your condition. Strengthening your back for sciatica can bring a host of positive benefits and help restore your mobility.