Sciatic nerve problem

I'm  having alot of pain with my sciatic nerve. I need to know if I should limit my exercise or exercise more.  I now do 30 minutes on the elliptical three times a week. I also do machines that work legs, stomach, arms, butt etc. I'm in the gym about two hours three times a day.  Any help would be great or any trainers out there!

This is a gd question.  You have more movement  than I at this time.  Although I am pre-op, my movement is extremely limited to sitting for 30 min or less at a time, little standing, walking is only 1.5 for 10 min on the tredmill.  I just received my second shot for my R sciatic.  PAIN is always there.  I lost my job due to this expanding situation.   I am interested on advise about exercise with sciatic situations.

Hi Ann, I am not a trainer but maybe I could say a few things and certainly take all advise and make a over decision about workout, and please check with you doc. I just had a few questions Are you getting any treatment for your lowerback? like chiropratic or phsyical therapy? I do have alot of experience in back pain being most of my disc's in entire back and neck are heriated. I had my disc pinching the sciatic nerve about 10 years ago and it was very painful. even to tie my shoes hurt. I would not do any excersize that give you pain that runs down your leg . I would do all upper muscles with machines that limit your movement and also would not do any abs at all!! You have a nerve that is inflamed and pushing up against that nerve it needs time calm down. It can get better depending on how severe ot is. Have you had any mri's. Also they have a machine at my gym and I do not know what it is called but i will try to explain. you sit down you pedal with your hands and it has all the heart rate monitors and all the other stuff the ellitical and treadmill do except no impact and gets your heart rate up. I know how bad back pain can be especially the sciatic one. Sean