Exercise for sciatica
From Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Sciatica can be caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis if the condition results in nerve root irritation or impingement. In most cases, if isthmic spondylolisthesis affects or pinches a nerve root it will affect the L5 nerve root.

When treating sciatica resulting from isthmic spondylolisthesis with exercise, the spine specialist will typically recommend an exercise program that is a hybrid of the flexion based exercises (as when treating spinal stenosis) and the stabilisation program (as when treating degenerative disc disease). The goal of this type of exercise program is to teach the lumbar spine to remain stable in a flexed position. Therefore, the exercises for sciatica caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis are a combination of both programs.

Specific sciatica exercise for isthmic spondylolisthesis

These sciatica exercises often require specific hands-on instruction because they offer much less benefit if done incorrectly, and the exercises tend to be much more difficult to do than they appear.

Three exercises that are commonly prescribed for sciatic pain from isthmic spondylolisthesis include:

Pelvic Tilt. Specialists treating patients with sciatica from isthmic spondylolisthesis frequently recommend the pelvic tilt, as it will hold the lower spine in the flexed position. This includes lying on the back with knees bent and flattening the back by tightening the lower stomach muscles, pulling the navel in and up.

Curl-ups. Strengthening the abdominals with the curl-ups will also help maintain a proper lower spine position. Lie on the back with the knees bent, fold arms across the chest, tilt the pelvis to flatten the back by pulling the navel (or belly button) in and up. Then curl-up, lifting the head and shoulders from the floor. Do not attempt to lift too high, and bring the head and chest towards the ceiling. For patients with neck pain, place the hands behind the head to support the neck.

Hook-lying march. As another form of stabilisation exercise, the hook-lying march.

Hook-lying march combination. Same exercise as described above, but includes raising and lowering the arm over the head