Nothing is more irritating than a discomfort that prevents you from doing your daily activities. Physicians have had numerous complaints about lower back pains. Often, sciatica is the reason for this back discomfort. However, sciatica has other characteristics, such as lower back and leg discomfort, which arise from either compression, injury, or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica discomfort may range from mild to severe. You might also experience a sharp, tingling, burning, or numbness that worsens when you cough, sneeze, sit or stand. Fortunately, Westfield Sciatica specialist Dr. Eric is ready to relieve you of the pain. Meanwhile, check out sciatica’s common risk factors.
1.A Lot Of Physical Work
Engaging in physical activity is good for your back. However, repeatedly doing activities that will require you to daily lift heavy objects can exert a lot of pressure on your spine and result in irritation to the sciatic nerve. Therefore, you must take more breaks and maintain a straight back while lifting objects to avoid sciatica.
2. Poor Back Posture
How you sit, stand, and walk can interfere with the sciatic nerves running from your lower back to your legs. When your spine is not in line, your back muscles adjust to this situation by working harder. This new adjustment aids in scaling out the imbalance that could result in tiredness and nerve irritation.
Additionally, hunched shoulders, a flat back, a tipped pelvis (frequently known as swayback), or an exaggerated curve in your lower back can cause pressure on your back and leg muscles. Eventually, resulting in a sting to your sciatic nerve. Therefore, you must consult your physician about your gait and posture to determine if you’re at risk of sciatica.
3. Smoking
Smokers have more of a chance of having sciatica since nicotine that is found in cigarettes interferes with blood circulation, causing less blood flow. As a result, if a nerve were damaged, the curing process would be slow, and the swelling might last a little longer. Although it is rare, if you end up undergoing surgery due to your sciatica problem, smoking will cause your recovery and rehabilitation longer and more difficult.
4. Obesity
Being obese comes with a lot of weight. This excess weight applies a lot of pressure to your spine, compressing the sciatic nerve. Nerve compression is also experienced by weight lifters since muscles, like extra fat, can compress the spine. Therefore, you should indulge in activities that will help you reduce weight and avoid sciatica.
5. Diabetes
Like smoking, severely high blood sugar levels interfere with healing and blood flow. Besides a slow healing rate, increased blood sugar levels can result in diabetic neuropathy, a nerve injury impacting people with diabetes.
It is about time you said goodbye to that excruciating pain that you are having. Dr. Eric of Eric Whitehouse, D.C., is a certified specialist in any sciatica problem you might be experiencing. Dr. Eric is ready to aid your speedy recovery and offer the best outcomes. Visit his office today in Westfield, NJ, or book a consultation with him online or via mobile.
