Common Sciatica Causes & How to Help Prevent Getting It

Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the length of each leg. 

This nerve is responsible for several daily actions and supports many physical functions. When it’s impaired, finding an effective solution is important to your routine, and learning what caused your sciatica will help you prevent it from recurring. 

Your local chiropractor is a great first line of defense when experiencing musculoskeletal conditions like sciatica. They have significant knowledge and experience in finding the reason behind the injured nerve and utilize safe, noninvasive solutions to treat the root cause. This allows your body to heal and function while reducing pain.

This post offers insight into the leading causes of sciatica, plus gives chiropractor-approved tips to help avoid it. 

Why Do I Have Sciatica?

Because the sciatic nerve comprises nearly the entirety of the body’s lower half and has so many nuanced tasks, it’s vulnerable to injury. 

Common reasons for sciatica include:

• Pregnancy or carrying excess weight: Excess weight and changes in posture during pregnancy or while overweight can irritate the sciatic nerve

• High-impact activities: Intense activities like running on hard surfaces or sports that involve sudden movements can exacerbate sciatic nerve pain

• Repetitive movements: Jobs or activities requiring repetitive bending, twisting, or heavy lifting can lead to wear and tear on the lower spine

• Trauma or injury: Accidents or falls that cause damage to the spine or back muscles can lead to sciatica

• Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or lack of regular movement can increase the risk of nerve compression and sciatica

• Stress: Chronic stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the lower back, aggravating sciatica

• Wearing high heels: High heels shift the body’s center of gravity forward, putting strain on the lower back

• Poor posture: Slouching while sitting, standing, or walking can strain the spine and surrounding muscles, increasing the risk of nerve compression

These habits and events can generate soft tissue, joint, and spine injuries that cause sciatica. 

Some of the most common injuries and conditions related to sciatica include:

• Herniated discs: When the soft material inside a spinal disc bulges out or ruptures, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain

• Spinal stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the nerve roots and lead to sciatica

• Degenerative disc disease: As discs in the spine wear down with age, they may lose their cushioning ability, potentially leading to nerve compression

• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the lower back and legs

• Muscle spasms: Tight muscles, particularly in the lower back or buttocks, can sometimes put pressure on the sciatic nerve

Whether you’re suffering from back and hip pain, knee and leg pain, or any of sciatica’s symptoms, getting a proper diagnosis will help you navigate and manage your discomfort successfully. 

Your chiropractor will also discuss numerous aspects of your life to help you better support your body. 

Tips to Help Avoid Sciatica and Re-Injury

Proactively caring for your body is instrumental in avoiding issues that can lead to imbalances and dysfunctions, as well as more serious injuries and conditions that can become chronic. 

These are chiropractic tips to help keep your body safe and protected:

• Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and walking

• Stay active with regular exercise, focusing on core and back strength

• Practice proper lifting techniques (bend at the knees, not the waist)

• Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods; take frequent breaks to stretch

• Use ergonomic furniture and equipment and ensure your workstation is correctly set up

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the lower back

• Always wear the correct footwear

• Don’t push through pain; visit a chiropractor at first signs of discomfort to ensure you’re body is properly functioning 

Visit Our Rocky River Chiropractic Clinic for Effective Sciatica Solutions

Our Rocky River chiropractic care team has witnessed our treatment plans find and end sciatica pain at its source, allowing our patients to get back to their active lifestyles.

Our chiropractic solutions have been proven safe. They work with the body to encourage the most natural healing process. We understand that when you’re in pain, the body doesn’t always demand more trauma; it deserves conservative care that requires no downtime or reliance on pain medication. 

After your thorough exam and a discussion regarding your routine, we’ll design the optimal healing strategy. 

Chiropractic services we use to relieve sciatica and injuries that cause sciatica include:

• Diversified Technique

• Motion Palpation Technique

• Flexion-Distraction Technique

• Gonstead Technique

• Myofascial release

• Rehabilitation 

• Strengthening and conditioning 

Don’t let sciatica pain limit your routine. Book an appointment with our Rocky River sciatica chiropractor today, and we’ll get you moving without pain and restriction, as you’re meant to.