Exercise vs Rest for Sciatica: What I Recommend as a Chiropractor

Hello there! I’m Dr. Andrew Ziakas from Optimal Wellness Chiropractic in Mooroolbark. Growing up, I remember how rest was prescribed as a remedy for back injuries, just like my mom used to do. However, the approach to treating back pain, particularly sciatica, has transformed since the 1980s.

Over my 23-year career, I’ve helped more than 10,000 patients say goodbye to back, neck, and sciatica pain. Today, I champion a more active treatment method – structured exercise. These workouts nourish the discs, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve the flexibility of the sciatic nerve. They are crucial not just for short-term relief, but also for sustainable recovery.

I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking help rather than enduring sciatica. Exercise should be your first line of defense, for at least six to eight weeks, before considering more drastic measures like surgery. If your pain persists despite exercising, it’s time to see a professional. I’ve seen too many patients tolerate sciatica for years when they could be on a path to recovery. Don’t be one of those people. Reach out, let’s work together to tackle your sciatica and get you back to your best.