#sciatica-pain

What is Sciatica?

The Sciatic nerve begins from the lower back and runs down to the end of the leg. The pain radiating in these areas is known as Sciatica. Unlike normal back pain, instead of throbbing pain, you feel a sharp shooting pain accompanied by numbness and weakness. The common causes of Sciatica are Trauma or injury on the lower back, Pregnancy, or childbirth.

Inherited spine abnormalities (herniated or slipped disc), infection, and disorders affecting the spine. Etc. Apart from these natural factors causing Sciatica, there are some ways that you contribute to its flare-ups and worsen your pain. Read on to know more about the top 5 triggers you need to avoid.

Five ways you may be Triggering your Sciatica Condition.  

Stressing yourself -  According to studies, stress and anxiety are some of the major components contributing to Sciatica flare-ups. It is believed that stress can deprive the brain of oxygen, and as a result, the nerves in the lower back and legs do not get enough oxygen. Therapeutic exercises guided by expert physical therapists can help reduce stress and get you started recovering from Sciatica pain. Wearing Inadequate Heels -  Wearing high-heels shifts your body weight and center of gravity, leading to you hunching forward at the hips. If these shoes are not properly cushioned, it transfers the impact of your steps to the hips or back. This leads to excessive stretching of the hip and knee muscles, resulting in irritation and the sciatic nerve's compression. In addition, this sort of pelvic movement stretches the hamstring muscles that can cause pain and discomfort in your thighs and legs.

Tight-Fitting Clothing - Several Sciatica patients can vouch that they have observed their condition worsen when they wear tight clothing. Tight denim and undergarments with ill-fitting elastic bands put additional pressure on the Sciatic nerve, contributing to the triggering of the flare-ups. If you are suffering from Sciatica pain, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing for a few weeks. 

Obesity and Excessive weight  - Excessive weight has always been a major contributing factor to back pain, and the same applies to Sciatica. Obese or overweight patients are more likely to experience sciatica and back pain because of the damage of spinal structures from having to compensate for extra weight pressure on the back. Keeping your weight under control will go a long way to eliminating the risk of sciatic nerve damage.

Back pocket Sciatica - Sitting for long periods with hard objects like keys, cell phone, wallet in your back pocket can aggravate the Sciatic nerve. This additional pressure on the nerve leads to ensuing pain. The obvious solution for this problem is to avoid putting any kinds of hard objects in your back pocket.

How can Physical Therapy help you in relieving Sciatica-Pain ?