Sciatica Explained: Common Causes and Relief That Actually Helps

Sciatica transcends beyond just an ordinary pain, which many people often overlook; meanwhile, the majority of their daily activities create an environment that enables it to occur. 

Sciatica occurs when there is compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs down from the spine to the leg. Excessive body pain can disrupt movement, cause sleepless nights, and negatively impact productivity in the workplace.

Wondering how some of your daily activities in the workplace and at home cause compression on the sciatic nerve that causes that abnormal pain? Here are the must-know common causes and relief methods that help to resolve the pain.

Prolong Sitting

One of the primary causes of sciatica is prolonged sitting, whether at work or at home. When sitting for more than several hours, it causes compression on the sciatic nerve, and over time, this can lead to lower back pain that radiates down the legs. This, in turn, affects sleep, productivity, and daily movement. To avoid this, especially those whose work involves a lot of sitting, take a sitting break by walking around every thirty minutes of sitting. This reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve, preventing the development of sciatica.

Related Post: Healthy Foods Proven To Naturally Reduce High Blood Pressure

Improper Sleeping Position

Improper sleeping position is one of the factors that causes sciatica. The majority of people sleep by bending their legs throughout the night without stretching. Over time, this sleeping position can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica and resulting in intense pain during daily movement. To avoid this, place pillows between your legs when you bend them while sleeping. Additionally, consider the leg-stretching sleeping position, as it allows the sciatic nerve to relax throughout the night without any pressure on it. 

Lifting Heavy Objects Incorrectly

Lifting objects improperly is one of the leading causes of sciatica. This is because improper lifting strains the lower back and causes pressure on the sciatic nerve. Over time, prolonged compression on the nerve can lead to sciatica, causing excessive pain in the sciatic nerve. To prevent sciatica, seek help from two or three other people when lifting a heavy object, or bend your knees when lifting an object. This reduces the compression on the sciatic nerve that can cause sciatica.

Related Post: Staying Sane While You Scale: 5 Founder Mental Health Tips

Sudden Intense Physical Activity 

Sudden intense physical activity is one of the primary causes of sciatica. Intense physical activity can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve. Over time, the pressure worsens, leading to sciatica, which causes the nerve in the lower spine to experience abnormal pain. To prevent this from happening to you, start with gradual warm-ups, stretching, and progressive training. This then allows the body to adjust to it before the intense physical activity begins. 

Excessive Phone or Laptop Usage

Another factor that is seen to cause sciatica is the excessive use of gadgets, such as phones and laptops, among others. The use of this device often requires prolonged sitting and neck bending, which can cause intense pressure on the sciatic nerve. Over time, the nerve reacts with abnormal pain signaling that it has been highly compressed, leading to sciatica. To prevent this from happening, consider a proper sitting posture while using these devices, especially those whose work requires the use of laptops and phones while sitting.

Related Post: Money-Saving Health Hacks You Can Start Today

Final Thought

Sciatica is causing sleepless nights, excessive pain, and affecting productivity, making victims spend thousands of dollars on drugs and massage for just relief. To avoid this, consider taking regular breaks while sitting, maintaining a good sleeping position, seeking help with lifting heavy objects, avoiding sudden engagement in intense physical activity, and adopting a proper sitting posture. This reduces the pressure on the sciatic nerve and saves you from unnecessary spending.