Skiing with Sciatica

Hi I'm 60 yrs young
I have a history of back pain and sciatica on my right leg.

I have had no real pain for the last 5 years but the right side of my back is a little stiff and tender.

I've recently started skiing great fun and exciting.
Trouble is on the day after, after One hours skiing, my right leg feels "displaced" and strange. I feel like I need to wriggle my muscles in,or shake it stright, to try to get the "nick" out of it.
My piriformis my be tight.

It "straightens" it self out after a few days.

I once did a Two hour skiing run and my leg was really bad after that.

Any suggestions re treatment or should I forget about skiing?

Thanks

I had sacroiliac problems some years ago with similar symptoms and after many years of intermittent suffering went to a chiropractor who manipulated the offending problem..i only suffer symptoms such as yours if I am "meandering" about...have you tried alternative treatments ?

I was also told to do exercises to strengthen the stomach muscles as this area supports the back.

I am still skiing and have a few years on you so don't give up hope

Are you sure it's your sciatica?
Could some of it be boot related? I know getting custom fitted boots might be extravagant for a first skiing holiday but may make a huge difference if you already have problems.

Lots of exercise in preparation - particularly core work will minimise the risk of your back playing up. If your technique is good skiing should not be seen as a back exercise at recreational level. Naturally your back will do some work but I doubt you'll be racing, fun parking or mogul bashing on your first holiday!

Make sure you take a good combination of your pain killers with you just in case. (They will come in handy for general aches & pains too).

Take pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs regularly during your holiday. Waiting until you are in pain is where you may be going wrong.

Mike 2,

My dad (who is about your age) suffers from the same "problem". He also takes medication but with regular exercise the pain is not so extreme anymore. So I can advice you to do regular exercise (cycling in particular).

Off course I'm not a doctor but it helps my dad.

Cheerz,
Stefan

Mike2,

What a coincidence !

My wife is just in hospital after getting same symptoms after tennis match. Her pain was 10 times more intense.

It may not be same cause but may I suggest you;
1. keep a log to note time,context and type of pain.
2. Locate pain on leg areas with a felt pen that can be washed off
3. see a physician for an MRI if possible and detailed spine examination of the L3 to L5 area
4. Rest after pain

In my (non professional) opinion taking pain killers or muscles anti-inflammatory pills without medical advice is "problematic" ! I take Aleve while skiing but it is "monitored" by physician" .

Doing exercise again with no advice from physiologist, therapist physicians may be "problematic"

The body is telling you something via the pain. Listen to it!

Go see the "experts" off internet sites!

Pavel

The body is telling you something via the pain. Listen to it!
Go see the "experts" off internet sites!

I agree !

Cheerz,
Stefan

i have an old sports back injury and core stability exercises were the only thing that helped long term, i would take some advice from physio and this book really helped me my Physio recomended it as they are are all tought this now.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Treat-Your-Back-Robin-McKenzie/dp/0958269203/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315248413&sr=8-1

http://www.mckenziemdt.org.nz/