Sciatica is a shooting, sharp pain radiating from the hip or lower back down the rear of the buttocks, thigh, and calf. Sciatica varies from mild to serious and could be incapacitating in some circumstances. Common triggers of this condition include a herniated disc, spinal tumors, spinal stenosis, trauma, piriformis syndrome, and more. However, the disc discomfort from sciatica is not constant. Recognizing what induces sciatic nerve discomfort flare-ups could go a long way toward preventing the pain. In this post, sciatica Red Bank specialist Dr. Ron Ben-Meir discusses some common reasons for these flare-ups and what you can do to prevent them.
Poor Posture
Unsurprisingly, poor posture is a prevalent reason for sciatica flare-ups because of the possible strain it places on your lower back. This additional strain can injure the sciatic nerve, causing irritation and pain associated with sciatica.
Likewise, incorrect body alignment is a possible reason for a sciatica flare-up. Walking with stooping shoulders and a curved spine is inappropriate, and sciatic nerve pain indicates something is wrong.
Extreme Weight
Lifting heavy or large goods is often unavoidable, but it is crucial to do so without irritating your body. Similarly, if your daily tasks demand you to bend the hip, you place additional stress on your lumbar region and force your spine to work hard. The lumbar discs must work harder to keep up, and once they are overloaded, they are more likely to slip out, resulting in a herniated disc.
Sedentary Lifestyle
The danger of sedentary living is another reason to incorporate some physical exercise into your daily routine. If your occupation demands you to sit for long periods, you should find strategies to get your body moving, such as exercising before work. Try stretching and strengthening exercises to ease the strain on your spine and sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy
Individuals who previously did not have sciatica might develop sciatic nerve pain when pregnant. Throughout pregnancy, sciatica pain is triggered by emerging piriformis syndrome, which occurs once the piriformis muscle in your buttocks irritates and contracts the sciatic nerve beneath. What triggers the discomfort is the developing fetus’s weight. This weight forces the pelvis to shift forward, tightening the piriformis muscle and placing strain on the sciatic nerve.
Tight Attire or Unpadded Footwear
Clothes that are overly tight around the sciatic nerve might cause nerve discomfort in certain individuals. Likewise, all types of high heels designs encourage the body to stoop forward around the hips. Wearing shoes or heels without adequate padding means hips or back must absorb the impact of each stride.
Hunching your hips forward transfers the effect of walking to your hips and back, which could result in a pulled hamstring found near the sciatic nerve. The pulled muscle exerts excessive strain on your nerve, prompting it to get irritated.
Numerous sciatica flare-ups resolve with self-care, but if the discomfort lingers for several weeks, it could be essential to consult a physician. At Downtown Pain Management, pain management physician Dr. Ron Ben-Meir will examine your concerns and suggest the most appropriate care solutions. Some non-invasive solutions include epidural steroid injections, selected nerve root injections, and epidural nerve blocks. If your pain does not resolve with these solutions or other conservative options like acupuncture or medications, your doctor may suggest surgery. Arrange an appointment through mobile or book online today.
