Sciatica Prevention Starts with Healthy Habits
Sciatica commonly refers to pain that travels along the path of the body’s sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and then down each leg. While this pain may often be severe, most cases respond well to treatment.
Sciatica is a very common condition in the United States, with more than 40% of people experiencing sciatic pain at some point in their lifetime. Sciatica prevention starts with a healthy lifestyle and habits, but it can be unavoidable for many people. Treating and managing sciatica can often be done at home, and a few key things can prevent it from flaring up again.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Pain may range from mild tingling or aching to sharp, burning sensations, typically occurring on one side of the body. In severe cases, the pain may be debilitating. While everyone’s experience can be different, common symptoms of sciatica may include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the rear of the leg
- Hip pain
- Burning feeling down the leg
- Weakness and numbness of the leg or foot
- Constant shooting pain on one side of the rear, leg or hip
Risk Factors of Sciatica
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. Age and lack of physical activity are also leading indicators of the condition. Other causes may include:
Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Physical injuries
- Excessive weight and obesity
- Insufficient body core strength
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Typically, your physician will use a combination of methods to diagnose sciatica. These include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic testing such as CT scans, X-rays, or an MRI. These tools help identify the underlying cause and rule out other potential conditions.
How is Sciatica Treated?
Treatment options commonly include a combination of physical therapy, medications, injections, and decompression therapies. Consider rephrasing for conciseness:
Physical therapy helps strengthen the spine and surrounding muscles, improving core stability and mobility.
Mild causes of sciatica can be managed at home with treatments such as ice, heat, OTC medication, stretching, and light physical activity.
If your pain continues to be severe, you must seek professional medical care immediately.
Is Sciatica Preventable?
You can reduce your risk of sciatica and help prevent recurring episodes by adopting healthy habits.
The following advice can help prevent the risk of sciatica:
- Strengthen your core with regular exercise
- Use proper lifting techniques and safety equipment, such as back braces when needed
- Incorporate regular stretching in your hamstrings, hip flexors, and piriformis muscle
- Limit prolonged sitting, take frequent short breaks to stretch, stand, and walk around
- Encourage good posture at work–invest in a standing desk and more ergonomic chairs for your workstation
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, the exceptional physicians of New Jersey Brain and Spine may be able to help. Contact us today for an appointment or second opinion. For more than 25 years, our physicians have compassionately cared for more than 40,000 patients with complex conditions. We’re here to help you find relief.
