Understanding the Causes of Sciatic Pain: What Triggers Sciatica?

From sportskeeda.com

Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from sciatica, a common crippling condition also known as sciatic pain. It can cause anything from little, infrequent discomfort to intense, ongoing pain that interferes with everyday activities.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Originating from the pelvis region at the sacrum, it travels to the thighs before splitting just above the knee into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve, both of which continue to the foot.

Sciatica may develop if the sciatic nerve is damaged, irritated, inflamed, or compressed. Lower back disorders, injuries, trauma, and overuse are the most frequent causes of the sciatic nerve becoming compressed. Many lifestyle and risk factors can bring on a flare-up of sciatica.

Common Causes of Sciatic Pain

You might be surprised to learn that some of the lifestyle factors that contribute to sciatic pain can be limited or eliminated in order to decrease the frequency of sciatic flare-ups. Here are five ways in which you may be unintentionally causing sciatica flare-ups:

1) Poor posture

Poor posture can lead to an unbalanced body alignment that places additional strain on the lower back and the sciatic nerve. The sciatica symptoms start to show up when the nerve is inflamed. Future unpleasant conditions can be avoided by concentrating on maintaining proper posture and standing up straight.

                                         Sciatic pain is usually caused due to poor posture. (Image via Unsplash/ Benjamin Wedemeyer)

2) Wearing high heels

When you are wearing high heels, your body weight is shifted forward, causing you to flex your hips forward in order to maintain your balance. Your sciatic nerve may be stretched and irritated by this type of pelvic movement, which also affects your back's hamstring muscles.

High heels and shoes without insoles that are cushioned may also cause the impact of your steps to go up your legs and into your back and hips.

3) Excessive weight

According to studies, the heavier you are, the more likely it is that your sciatic nerve may become compressed. Eliminating the risk of sciatic nerve injury starts with managing your weight.

4) Stressed out

It has been shown that emotional stress or anxiety might make sciatica pain worse. The sciatic nerve, which is where the pain originates, may be deprived of oxygen by the brain during a chaotic time. Leg pain, weakness, and tingling feelings that are typical of the syndrome may result from this deprivation.

5) Herniated disk

The most frequent cause of discomfort in the sciatic nerve is a ruptured or bulging disc. The discs that make up the spinal cord cushion the vertebrae and prevent the bones from grating against one another. This cushioning disc can put pressure on the sciatic nerve when it pops out of the crack in its outer covering, resulting in discomfort and suffering.

A herniated disc typically develops as a result of the body's slow, natural aging process. A herniated disc, however, can occur at any age as a result of routine tasks like improperly moving to heavy objects.

The first step in preventing and treating sciatic pain is to understand its causes. Consult a healthcare provider right away if you have sciatic pain symptoms, which include leg pain that shoots down the leg, numbness, or tingling, in order to receive an appropriate diagnosis and a treatment plan that is suited to your individual needs.

Physical therapy, medicines, lifestyle modifications, and in certain cases, surgical intervention, are among potential treatment options. You may get rid of sciatic pain and enhance your quality of life by treating the underlying issue and controlling your symptoms. Remember that successful treatment frequently depends on early intervention, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if you think you might have sciatica.

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