Sciatica and Cycling: Is Cycling Good for Sciatica?

Is cycling good for sciatica? Is there any link between sciatica and cycling? Can cycling cause sciatica? Is cycling bad for sciatica?

Hold on! We understand the tons of questions you must have in your mind. That is why we are here to answer your queries regarding cycling and sciatica.

Did you know around 50 to 80% of people experience back pain once in their lifetime? And most of them are either in old age, obese, have a job that demands sitting for long hours, or perform strenuous exercises.

So is there any way to relieve the symptoms of sciatica other than medications and surgery? YES!

Walking and cycling have proven effectiveness in relieving sciatica symptoms. In fact, moving your limbs is always better than keeping them immobile for a long period.

Let’s dive into the details!

Is Cycling Good for Sciatica

Let’s first answer the most important query especially of cyclists, that is, is cycling good for sciatica?

Well, in simple words, cycling is good for back pain. And experts believe that cycling improves sciatica as well.

Sciatica refers to the pain and numbness in the back and lower limb. It mostly occurs due to the sciatic nerve compression beneath the piriformis muscle.

However, in some people, this nerve is located within the muscles, hence in such people, there are increased chances of sciatic nerve compression.

The pain is described as a sharp, stinging pain associated with numbness and tingling sensation. Talking about the cyclists, it is very common for cyclists and bikers to experience this kind of pain.

Another question that pops up in one’s mind when we talk about sciatica and cycling is, can cycling cause sciatica pain?

Sadly, it can!

There are many reasons for sciatica in cyclists. For instance, the small, uncomfortable seat, long hours of sitting with constant pedaling, etc.

Moreover, the posture of a cyclist is exactly what you need to avoid if you have sciatica. This hunched-over posture puts stress on the lower back making sciatica even worse.

So, is cycling good for sciatica? To state the facts, cycling is good for back pain. However, walking with sciatica is still the better option and cycling might prove bad in many cases.

Note: Many therapists advise you to avoid cycling till the pain is gone. But if cycling is a necessity for you then you must take extra precautions.

How Can I Cycle with Sciatic Pain

If you are someone who loves cycling but is worried about your sciatica pain, you must have asked yourself at least once, can I cycle with sciatic pain?

Well, many bicycle-lovers complain about lower back pain after cycling. However, remember that every back pain is not sciatica!

Even though millions of people suffer through sciatica around the world, only a handful of cyclists get sciatica once in their life.

So does that mean cycling is bad for your back? Absolutely No!

In fact, cycling has a big hand in providing you with better health and strong immunity.

However, cycling with sciatica might require you to be extra cautious. You may follow the following tips and tricks to avoid worsening your back:

• Stay upright
• Try to put pressure on your hands.
• Alternate between pedal in sit-down position and standing.
• Take a rest in between.
• You can also ride a stationary bike at home.
• Choose a hill for a smooth ride
• Avoid cycling on a rough surface
• Wear a back brace to support your spine
• Invest in shock absorbers or anything that will take the pressure off of your back.

Simply, avoid consistent cycling for long periods. However, if you have to cover several miles; sit and pedal. Then switch to a stand-up position before pedaling again.

Even after all the necessary precautions and safety measures, if you feel any discomfort or pain, you may take painkillers. Or you can visit a therapist for a better understanding of your condition.

Note: You won’t be able to cycle freely with sciatica. You have to be conscious and pay constant attention to your back when riding a bike.

Is Cycling Good for Sciatica Pain – Bicycling Sciatica

You may know it or not, but bicycling sciatica is a thing among bikers and cyclists.

Is cycling good for sciatica pain?

To answer that honestly, Cycling is mostly good for sciatica in the pre-sciatica period. In fact, you should cycle often to stay active and healthy.

However, cycling with sciatica doesn’t always prove effective. And many riders suffer through a condition known as bicycling sciatica.

There is also an emotional contribution to bicycling sciatica. This is related to the professional lifestyle of a cyclist.

As professional bikers or cyclists are concerned about the performance level, they give their best trying to pedal as fast as they can.

Besides, you must have seen the cyclists on TV or racetracks with a hunched-down back, trying to excel while pacing up.

This posture helps them in securing the top position but it terribly affects their back resulting in sciatica. Hence, cycling can cause sciatica as well and cycling is not always a good option for sciatica pain.

Sciatica and Cycling

Sciatica and cycling together do not make the best combination. Whether cycling is good for sciatica or not, depends on how much you know about cycling with back pain.

Is cycling not good for sciatica? What are the factors of sciatica and cycling that connect the two?

Well, as we know now that cycling demands you to bend your back to ride faster. In contrast, if you have sciatica, you should keep your back straight, moving it only slightly in the beginning days.

If you find a bike that allows you to bike while keeping your back upright, then cycling will prove good and highly effective for sciatica.

Keeping all of this in mind, a Mountain bike is the best option for sciatica patients.

And if you have sciatica and you are a professional cyclist you may invest in a mountain bike. This way, you can keep your legs moving, stay in practice, without ruining the back even more.

Later on, you can get back to cycling when your doctor allows and follow the instructions your therapist provides.

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse

Is cycling bad for your back?

Constantly sitting with a bend-down posture strains the neck and back. This means cycling in the wrong position can cause sciatica pain.

And cycling can become bad for sciatica considering the long hours of uncomfortable seating and pedaling.

And to add to that you are also using your quadriceps and gluteal muscles to apply force while pedaling. This adds to the pain shooting down the thighs and legs also resulting in lower back pain after cycling.

So of course, cycling is not the best option for sciatica.

Moreover, if you are riding while sciatica and god forbid meet an accident, this will only negatively contribute to the sciatica symptoms. This is why most doctors suggest avoiding cycling with sciatica.

Note: If you follow the tips and tricks, you may notice positive outcomes. And all the bad happenings can then be avoided.

So to say it shortly, cycling is good for back pain and bad, under certain conditions.

FAQs

Conclusion

So to answer, is cycling good or bad for sciatica? We would say, it’s the mixture of the two!

With all the negative factors, cycling does leave a positive mark on sciatica.

It helps boost immunity by enhancing blood circulation. Plus, cycling improves sciatica by shrinking the recovery period. Cycling may have its cons if you are not conscious of your ride. However, cycling will definitely be proven good for sciatica if you know the tricks. Just make sure to ride safely!