How You Can Avoid Sciatica
By Sara Butler
Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, which means one thing: When something goes wrong with it, it can be a huge pain, quite literally! A sciatic nerve that is irritated or compressed can cause pain that shoots down your legs, numbness, or an uncomfortable tingling sensation. Weakness in one of your legs is also a prevalent symptom. Wouldn't it be great if you could avoid all that? Well, thanks to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic, you can! Here are some tips to help you avoid sciatic pain problems.
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with sciatic nerve issues is never to develop them in the first place. Regular visits to the chiropractor are definitely one way to avoid this fate, but there are several lifestyle choices you should be conscious of if you want to keep sciatic pain at bay. In fact, just being aware of your body and the positions you put it through during the day and while you sleep is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your sciatic nerve healthy.
The Correct Sitting Position
If it's been a while since you learned about the way to properly sit, then here's a refresher! You should sit:
- With your shoulders back
- With your buttocks touching the back of the chair
- With proper lumbar support
- With your body weight evenly distributed on both hips
- With your knees best at a 90-degree angle
- With your feet flat on the floor
You should try to avoid sitting in one position for longer than one hour at a time. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to help you remember to get up for a few minutes at least once per hour. Take a few moments to stretch and move, then resume what you were doing.
Lifting Correctly
Another way to care for your sciatic nerve is to lift things the right way. It doesn't matter how often you lift things or how large the item you're trying to lift is -- you should always practice proper lifting technique by:
- Keeping your back straight and bending at the knees and hip
- Never twist your back when carrying or lifting, but pivoting with your feet to move instead
- Keeping the object close to your body as you lift and carry it
- Asking for help if an object is awkward to carry or weighs more than 30 pounds
- Not lifting the object above waist level.
If you have questions about sciatica, talk to the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.