For most people Sciatica is just a word that’s a little tough to spell, but for those living with the symptoms associated with Sciatica on a day-to-day basis it can spell a lot of pain.

Sciatica isn’t actually a diagnosis, but rather a set of symptoms that relate to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and runs from the hip joint, deep into the buttocks, down the hip and along the back of the leg all the way to the foot. Sciatica results when the sciatica nerve is pinched or compressed, typically by arthritis or a herniated disk. Pain that radiates from the lower back and down one leg is the most common symptom, but symptoms vary based on where the nerve is affected.

Sciatica occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50 and is typically just a result of general wear and tear on the body rather than from a major injury. This means that for the millions of millennials out there who are about to bravely enter their 30s, Sciatica may be there to greet them. So while Sciatica may not always be preventable, according to the American Chiropractic Association abiding by these guidelines should decrease your chances of being forced to deal with the pain in your near future.

Maintain a healthy diet and weight
Exercise regularly
Purchase a firm mattress
Maintain proper posture
Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
If you smoke, seek help to quit
Use good body mechanics when lifting
You may have heard a lot of those mantras before, but it never hurts to hear them again, especially if you or someone you know has dealt with back pain before and knows how tough it can be.

If you’re currently experiencing back pain that you think may be stemming from your sciatic nerve, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to help ease your pain. Visit our contact page for more information on how to book an appointment with Blakely Chiropractic or give us a call at 619-281-1999.