If you struggle with sciatic nerve pain, you’re not alone. In fact, studies estimate that about 40% of people will experience sciatica in their lifetime. Sciatica can be debilitating and can affect your quality of life.
If your sciatica is caused by certain lifestyle choices, there are ways to find relief. Pamela V. Ford, DC, and her team at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center are experienced in treating sciatic nerve pain and have some tips on reducing pain from sciatica.
Sciatica is caused by irritation or inflammation of your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve runs from your pelvis through the back of your thigh. It’s the major nerve in your leg and the largest nerve in your entire body.
Sciatica pain can feel like tingling or numbness in your leg, which is typical of nerve inflammation, but you can also feel shooting pain down your leg. The pain can range anywhere from a mild ache to a burning pain.
Sciatica can be brought on or aggravated by a number of things, including some of the following:
Working at a physically demanding job can also cause bouts of pain with your sciatic nerve.
If you struggle with pain from sciatica, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to keep your sciatic nerve from getting irritated. These improvements may not help the pain go away completely but can help protect your back while offering pain relief.
Sciatica can often get worse by sitting for long periods of time, so make sure you stay active to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stretching and strengthening your muscles will help keep your joints flexible and your core strong.
Exercising to stay at a healthy weight will also keep inflammation down in your body and strain off your spine.
If you sit a lot during your daily routine, slouching or having poor posture can put pressure on your lower back. Consequently, this can put your back out of alignment and irritate your sciatic nerve. Adjust your posture when sitting for long periods, and make sure you have good lumbar support.
If your job requires you to lift heavy loads or stand for long periods of time, make sure you’re providing relief for your back. Use proper lifting technique by using your legs and not your back, and periodically rest one leg at a time to lessen back pressure.
In addition to all these guidelines, you can use over-the-counter pain medications to help manage your sciatica pain.
In 90% of sciatica cases, the pain will go away. However, if you find yourself struggling with sciatic nerve pain, it’s beneficial to get it checked out.
Dr. Ford can give you chiropractic adjustments for your pain while also determining what’s causing your sciatica in the first place.
If you’d like to learn more about how to treat your sciatica, call our office at 469-933-1037 or use our online feature to request an appointment today at our office in Carrollton, Texas.
