My problems with sciatica are pretty dormant right now so I have been able to bump up my training. I still get a little soreness in my right SI joint if I walk or stand around too much and it sometimes refers minor pain down my leg. I’ve researched how SI joint issues might cross over into sciatica and it seems there are at least two mechanisms. The piriformis muscle crosses the SI joint and can get irritated, which in turn can affect the sciatic nerve which runs right under it (or in some people, it runs through the piriformis muscle). A second way is that if the SI joint is inflamed, it can release inflammatory enzymes (cytokines) which can cross over to the nearby sciatic nerve. There is also a detailed discussion of how the SI joint affects sciatica in this youtube video. Whatever the mechanism, I nip this in the bud by cutting walks short or sitting as needed. Also, I’ve found it helps to wear an SI joint belt. Fortunately, none of my main exercise activities of cycling, arm-cycling, or strength training with resistance bands cause any symptoms.
So lately I’ve been going a bit harder and longer on all these activities and it feels good. Yesterday I did 30 minutes of easy arm-cycling, then a three hour ride with my local group. We went out to the end of Redwood Retreat Road southwest of Morgan Hill, one of my favorite routes. It was a brisk pace and pretty pleasant most of the way but was getting a little hot towards the end. This is the time of year to wear lighter layers and remember to bring ice water in my hydration bladder.
Original source: https://bionicoldguy.home.blog/2025/06/11/bumping-up-training/