Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know
REAL CYCLIST INSIGHT: I’ve logged over 150,000 miles in the saddle. While I’ve never personally suffered from sciatica, I’ve ridden with plenty of cyclists who have — and I’ve paid close attention to what helped them keep going. Here's what I've learned from the road. Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain that travels from your lower back down your leg can make everyday activities tough—let alone riding a bike. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you might be asking yourself: Is cycling helping me or making things worse? Like many things in health and fitness, the answer is: It depends. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatic pain, depending on your riding position, bike setup, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation under certain conditions: Prolonged Sitting: Long hours in the saddle—especially with a hard, narrow seat—can put direct pr...
