Have you ever experienced an abrupt sharp pain in your lower back? That could have been sciatica. Over 40% of adults in the U.S suffer from sciatica, and many perceive it as an after-work back pain. Sciatica is caused by nerve irritation, precisely when the herniated disc pressures the spinal nerve. When you experience sciatica, you feel a sharp pain similar to an electrical shock. Nevertheless, if not treated fast, it can cause numbness, tingling, or burning in your leg or lower back. Due to advancements in science and medicine, a Sciatica Shrewsbury treatment will help eliminate sciatica pain effectively. Furthermore, our expert team wishes you to know the five common risks of this painful condition and how to prevent sciatica. Let’s dive in:

1. Poor back posture

How you sit, stand, walk or sleep affects the path of the sciatic nerve in your spine. When your spin ligaments are scarce, your back muscles tend to overwork, straining your spine, thus causing fatigue and nerve irritation. Any excessive stretching or straining of your lower back will eventually put pressure on the sciatic nerve provoking sciatica to form. Be keen on your posture as you avoid any activity that can strain your spine.

2. Being overweight

Carrying excess weight exerts more pressure on the lower back, compressing the sciatic nerve. The pressure mounted on your spine results in the formation of a herniated disc, complicating the nerve’s functionality. Cut the extra weight, and you will avoid sciatica.

3. Physically demanding work or exercise

Although physical activities are essential for your spine, repetitive motions that involve heavy lifting can cause sciatica. Similarly, bending your back for long hours can irritate the sciatic nerve. Take some breaks off and maintain a good posture while lifting heavy objects.

4. Uncontrollable smoking habits

Frequent smokers are likely to experience sciatica since nicotine weakens blood circulation. If the sciatic nerve is injured, the recovery rate will be slow, and the inflammation will last longer. Additionally, smoking will slow your healing process if your spine surgeon recommends surgery to correct sciatica.

5. History of diabetes

Diabetes causes diabetic neuropathy, a condition that damages the nerve in your legs, hands, and feet. This causes sciatic pain due to the inflammation in your lower back. Diabetes is proven to counter your recovery rate after an illness, and this is not exceptional when it comes to sciatica. If your sciatic nerve is damaged, diabetes will slow or make your healing process difficult. To manage diabetes, keep a food diary and regularly contain your blood sugar levels.

Relieve your sciatica pain with our approach!

Experiencing sciatica pain can be debilitating, especially when you want to stay productive. Luckily, there are specialized treatments to help solve your painful condition. Our professional orthopedics team will treat sciatica, depending on your situation. They might recommend non-surgical medications, rest, or therapy if the condition isn’t fatal. Nevertheless, if there is evidence your sciatic nerve has been destroyed, our team will organize a personalized surgery for your faster recovery.

To safeguard your spine from future sciatica deformities, don’t hesitate to contact the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine!