CSSciatica symptoms vary from intense pain radiating through the feet and legs to a burning sensation , or the inability of putting the full weight of one leg. Based on Harvard Health, approximately 40 percent of people suffer from sciatica at an early stage in their lives approximately 10 percent of the population experiencing it at any given moment.

Photo courtesy of Penrose Physical Therapy

Although it’s normal to suffer from sciatica however, it’s not a normal thing to experience.


What exactly is Sciatica?

While you may hear people saying, “I have sciatica,” sciatica is not a disorder. It’s actually an nerve pain that is a symptom of other back issues, such as disc herniation or bone spur in a vertebra, and the narrowing spinal cord nerve openings (called spinal stenosis).

The nerve pain you feel is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the biggest in the human body in terms of size and length. It originates within the low back region (the spine in the lumbar spine) and then branches out into the feet and legs. It can be very painful. It can cause sensations of numbness, sharpness and tingling throughout your lower back down to your feet. The positive side is that sciatica can be treated and avoided.


The causes of Sciatica

There are a variety of risk factors that increase the chance of having an worsening sciatica These include:

  • Age: Symptoms are more likely to begin to manifest in adults between the ages of 25 and 45 of age. A combination of microtraumas and injuries can cause the first onset of discomfort.
  • Weight Over the limit of what is considered to be healthy weight could cause increased stress and strain upon your spine.
  • Workplace: Both sedentary and physical work can cause spinal issues.
  • The Sitting expression says, “sitting is the new cancer.” A prolonged period of sitting for long periods of time throughout the day could negatively affect your back.
  • Diabetes Based on the Mayo Clinic, people with diabetes are at greater chance of nerve damage.


How to Stay Away from Sciatica Pain

There are many ways to prevent and reduce sciatic nerve discomfort, from lifestyle modifications to treatments, including physical therapy.

  1. Keep your posture in good shape. Sitting in slouches and other unnatural postures can place excessive stress on your back and make sciatica more severe. When standing, be sure to apply equal weight to both legs , and keep an upright posture where hips and shoulders are evenly balanced. Do you read at night? It could be a factor in the issue. Consider sitting in a comfy chair with warm blanket instead of lying in bed reading.
  2. Avoid sitting for extended durations. If you are working at an office job ensure that you regularly break to take a walk, get up and stretch.
  3. Join yoga. Did you realize that neurosurgeons inform the patients of yoga that it is “closest possible thing that can be a miraculous cure cure for spine back pain?” Listen to my yoga podcast in which I interview one of my clients and discuss how yoga has been a blessing for her. Visit “Stay healthy and sound” on your favorite podcast platform. Yoga classes at our studio are intimate and we offer modifications for those who suffer from sciatica. If you’ve failed in the past, you may have to try smaller groups. Contact us to attend one of our sessions for no cost.
  4. Lose weight. We have a eigth week coaching program that helps people eat a healthy diet as well as exercise and train you on how you can do this, and how to live it! Contact us for more information. In the “Stay Healthy South Sound” podcast, I talk to one of my clients who completed the program. Contact us for more information!
  5. Develop the muscles in your core. It may be necessary to get help to accomplish this task in a safe manner.
  6. Make sure you adjust your sleeping position. It is a fact that we sleep for a long time every day, and sleeping in the wrong posture here can be detrimental to your spine. The most comfortable sleeping positions are:
    • Place your body on your side and place pillows between your ankles and knees.
    • Sit on Your back with a pillow between your knees.


A Successful Treatment For Sciatica Pain Relief

Physical professional (PT) is vital in helping you live without pain due to sciatica. They will be able to recommend the best treatment plan to determine the root that is causing your sciatica and provide you with the tools to return back to life without pain. A professional’s help will ensure you are taking precautions that are safe and healthful to address sciatica and alleviate the pain.

We will be offering a no-cost low back pain and sciatica training on Wednesday, March 3 at 6:15 p.m. Contact [email protected] to register. There are only a few spots available!

If you’re suffering from discomfort and are ready to take your life back call Penrose Physical Therapy at 360.456.1444 for a complimentary appointment. The address is 1445 Galaxy Dr. NE Suite 302 in Lacey, WA. We also provide free tips and reviews regarding back tension as well as sciatica available on our Penrose & Associates Physical Therapy website.

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