Help! Why are the back bends a good idea?!?!?

tinuvi · Post by **tinuvi** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:08 pm

I *really* want to be doing these exercises, as the weeks of sciatica are dragging on...

My PT tells me (and a set of x-rays show) that I have a forward pelvic tilt which is likely what's involved in the sciatica. It seems to me that doing back bends would exacerbate a forward pelvic tilt, not help it; and indeed, doing the cobra or standing back bend seems to make my sciatic pain suddenly worse.

I don't want to make my pain worse, of course, but I also want to do the exercises right! Do you have any advice?

Many, many thanks!!!

tinuvi · Post by **tinuvi** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:50 pm

I'm also wondering if it's normal for these exercises to aggravate sciatic pain at first. This is Day 1 of doing them, and I'm feeling more pain down my leg than I'm used to. I'm not pushing it, I don't think, just taking it gently.

Thanks,
Anna

fighting · Post by **fighting** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:34 pm

Not sure... I have sciatica due to a herniated L5S1.

The backbends and cobra, while sometimes initially quite painful, due tend to help over time.

I think its important to take them slow. First if lying flat on your stomach with your back relaxed hurts, then put a small pillow under your hips until that doesn't hurt. Then remove the pillow and wait until that no longer hurts. Then try to pull your stomach in to the floor until that no longer hurts. Then up on your elbows and so on.

If you are really tight it will take some time to get to a full cobra or back bend.

Just my experience.

tinuvi · Post by **tinuvi** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:36 pm

Thanks! I will try taking it slower. Overall, the exercises are making a big difference so far.