Q: Can weight training cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve

A: By themselves resistance exercises performed with the proper form and in moderate volume are unlikely to cause this problem. But some people perform many exercises with anything but good form which can cause this and other injuries, especially on exercises like the squat and the deadlift. Also, if you have an existing condition (perhaps an old injury that never completely healed), weight training can re-aggravate it. For these reasons it is always a very good idea to consult with your doctor and/or physical therapist before starting any kind of exercise program. If you have a history of lower back and/or lower body problems, you absolutely owe it to yourself to have such a consultation before starting an exercise program. And in all cases, you have to be very mindful of the form, especially when performing big compound exercises like the squat or the deadlift.

When you lift, lift only what you can in perfect form. If you start feeling any kind of pain or discomfort beyond the regular muscle tiredness/soreness, stop immediately! Never ever try to 'work through' an injury -- it'll only make things worse. Your body is amazingly good at healing itself when it has the time to do so. So take time off from weightlifting and allow at least one full week after the last symptoms are gone before returning. In some cases you may be able to do partial workouts that avoid using the injured body part. In other cases, you'd be best off not doing any weightlifting at all. If you're not sure, take the safest route and, again, consult your doctor and/or physical therapist.