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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone diagnosed with sciatica? Did exercise help?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
September 29
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Many of my patients with sciatica have responded very well to physical therapy, Stacy.

September 30
A MyLupusTeam Member

I do a lot of leg & back stretches to try to limber up, wear mugwort & ginger patches, and feel some herbal supplements like ginger, turmeric, and St. John's Wort help. But, talk with your doctor before taking supplements and check out possible interactions with medications.

September 29
MyLupusTeam

Yes, sciatica is something many people with lupus deal with, and it can be really painful. Lupus-related inflammation can affect the peripheral nerves, causing shooting, burning, or tingling pain similar to sciatica. So the two can definitely be connected.

As for exercise — it's a mixed bag, but it can help when approached Show Full Answer

Yes, sciatica is something many people with lupus deal with, and it can be really painful. Lupus-related inflammation can affect the peripheral nerves, causing shooting, burning, or tingling pain similar to sciatica. So the two can definitely be connected.

As for exercise — it's a mixed bag, but it can help when approached carefully. Here's what tends to work:

- Physical therapy — A physical therapist can design a spine-friendly program that avoids putting pressure on the nerves
- Aquatic therapy — A MyLupusTeam member noted this was especially helpful for sciatica pain
- Gentle movement — Another MyLupusTeam member shared they have to be very mindful of how they bend, walk, and lift things, and resting with a pillow between the knees during flare-ups helps

The key is pacing. Exercise during an active flare is generally not recommended — it's better to rest and return to movement once things settle down. If sciatica persists, other options worth discussing with a rheumatologist or pain specialist include:

- Medications like anti-inflammatories or nerve pain relievers
- Steroid injections into inflamed joints
- TENS units (small devices that deliver electrical stimulation to nerves) — one MyLupusTeam member called theirs their "best friend" for bilateral sciatica

Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially with lupus in the mix.

September 29

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