Dear Doctor: Is it advisable to try to ‘walk off’ sciatica pain?

From oregonlive.com

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m in considerable pain from sciatica. I wanted to know whether it’s a good idea to make myself walk around and try to walk off the pain, which is at a level 8 out of 10. It slightly lessens when I do. I don’t have any choice since I live alone. -- P.L. 

Most cases of sciatica, such as those caused by a herniated disc, start to get better in a week or so but may take several weeks to get completely better. (Getty Images)Getty Images/Science Photo Libra

ANSWER: The best answer I have is that if your activities help reduce the pain, you should do them. I don’t recommend forcing yourself to stay in bed if you don’t need to, but I also don’t recommend pushing yourself into doing activities that are painful.

Most cases of sciatica, such as those caused by a herniated disc, start to get better in a week or so but may take several weeks to get completely better (or nearly so). Physical therapy is an effective treatment to reduce disability and improve pain.

People who aren’t getting better from sciatica need to get re-evaluated and will likely need imaging, such as an MRI, to find out what is causing the pain. People with progressive weakness need immediate evaluation.

https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2025/12/dear-doctor-is-it-advisable-to-try-to-walk-off-sciatica-pain.html