Sciatica In Seniors: How to Get Relief (& Mistakes to Avoid)
HT Physio – Over-Fifties Specialist Physio・12 minutes read
Physiotherapist Will Harow explains how to address sciatica in seniors over 70, focusing on degenerative disc issues and nerve pinching commonly linked to the condition. Recommended exercises for seniors with sciatica include knee rolls, unilateral knee hugs, side-lying leg lifts, and chair flexion, done pain-free multiple times a day to alleviate symptoms.
Insights
- Sciatica treatment differs based on age, with younger individuals often facing bulging or herniated discs, while those over 70 tend to deal with degenerative disc problems due to disc dehydration.
- Seniors over 70 experiencing sciatica commonly have degenerative discs and spinal arthritis, necessitating exercises that focus on spine flexibility and blood flow to alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening conditions like stenosis.
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Recent questions
How does age affect sciatica treatment?
Age influences the type of sciatica issues experienced, with younger individuals often facing bulging or herniated discs due to disc hydration, while those over 70 commonly deal with degenerative disc problems caused by disc dehydration.
What exercises help seniors with sciatica?
Recommended exercises for seniors with sciatica include knee rolls to lubricate the lower back, unilateral knee hugs for gentle lumbar flexion, side-lying leg lifts to strengthen the glutes, and flexion in a chair to stretch the lower back and create space for nerve movement.
What are common causes of sciatica in seniors over 70?
Sciatica in seniors over 70 is often linked to degenerative discs and arthritis in the spine, leading to nerve pinching and potential spinal stenosis.
How many repetitions of exercises are recommended for seniors with sciatica?
Seniors with sciatica should aim for repetitions ranging from 15 to 30, multiple times a day, while ensuring the exercises are done pain-free to alleviate sciatica symptoms effectively.
Where can I find more information on managing sciatica in seniors?
Will Harow, a physiotherapist specializing in seniors over 50, offers additional tips on sciatica management for seniors in his book "Thriving Beyond 50" and suggests subscribing to his channel for more informative videos on the topic.
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Summary
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Managing Sciatica in Seniors Over 70
- Will Harow, a physiotherapist specializing in seniors over 50, explains how to address sciatica in individuals over 70 years old.
- Sciatica treatment varies based on age, with younger individuals often experiencing issues like bulging or herniated discs, while those over 70 commonly face degenerative disc problems.
- Younger individuals have well-hydrated discs, making bulging or herniated discs more prevalent, while older individuals experience disc dehydration, leading to degenerative disc issues.
- Sciatica in seniors over 70 is often linked to degenerative discs and arthritis in the spine, causing nerve pinching and potential spinal stenosis.
- Exercises for seniors with sciatica focus on loosening the spine area and improving blood flow, avoiding aggravating conditions like stenosis or spinal arthritis.
- Recommended exercises include knee rolls to lubricate the lower back, unilateral knee hugs for gentle lumbar flexion, and side-lying leg lifts to strengthen the glutes.
- Another beneficial exercise is flexion in a chair, aiding those with spinal stenosis or arthritis by stretching the lower back and creating space for nerve movement.
- These exercises should be done pain-free, with repetitions ranging from 15 to 30, multiple times a day, to alleviate sciatica symptoms in seniors.
- Will Harow suggests subscribing to his channel for more informative videos and offers a book, "Thriving Beyond 50," with additional tips on sciatica management for seniors.
