PRC - Sciatica - What Is Sciatica
What is Sciatica, Its Causes & Common Symptoms?
Although many people experience sciatica at one point or another in their lives, sciatica is often misunderstood as a disorder or spinal disease. So, what is sciatica? At its core, sciatica is described as a varying degrees of pain and discomfort felt in the lower back and legs resulting from prolonged excessive pressure on the sciatic nerve. Because the sciatic nerve runs through the lower back, direct sciatica causes commonly include sitting for prolonged periods of time in uncomfortable chairs with poor posture, injuries resulting from lifting heavy items overhead, and twisting or straining the back.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
As previously mentioned, the symptoms of sciatica most commonly manifest as pain of varying degrees in the lower back and upper legs. This pain can range from a mild ache and/or numbness to extreme stiffness and sharp pain. In cases of extreme chronic sciatica, people experience intense pain more frequently, especially when compared to the occasional sciatica sufferer. Chronic sciatica often occur because many people suffering from sciatica symptoms leave them unchecked until the pain becomes debilitating and chronic. If you’re experiencing lower back and/or leg pain and have recently had a back-related injury or work at a job that requires you to sit for prolonged periods of time, it’s likely that you’re experiencing the symptoms of sciatica.
How can I avoid sciatica?
Fortunately, sciatica’s causes are often easy to recognize and avoid. The primary reason for the onset of sciatica is pressure to the lower back, compressing or restricting the sciatic nerve leading to pain. If you avoid unnecessary pressure to this region, you have a better chance of avoiding sciatica. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is to use ergonomic chairs, lumbar support cushions, and pressure-relieving mattresses. You can find all things sciatica and back pain relief at any Relax The Back in St. Louis. Sleeping on your side with a contoured pillow between your legs is another great way to reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve; for those not currently suffering from sciatica, this can also prevent the onset of sciatica.
Learn more about what causes sciatica, what the symptoms of sciatica are, and how to prevent sciatica by stopping by one of our Relax The Back stores in St. Louis and speaking with one of our in-store back care product consultants today. Our experienced back care product specialists can provide product recommendations and educate you on how best to treat and manage your sciatica. Get back to the pain-free lifestyle you deserve today.
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