Sciatica pain is a common type of nerve pain. Excess weight is also one of the most common causes of sciatic pain. When taking into account that 34% of the adult US population alone is classified as obese, the shared link becomes a real concern.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Thomas Jones II and our team are dedicated to helping you attain pain-free living through minimally invasive spinal treatments. Here’s a helpful guide from our team explaining how your weight affects your sciatica pain.
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, or the longest nerve that runs down your spinal cord and into your buttocks and lower legs, becomes irritated. The irritation results in pain, numbness, and weakness.
With sciatica pain, you’ll likely find that your symptoms mostly come from the lower back and travels down your legs. These symptoms are often accompanied by irritation or joint inflammation.
Sciatica pain is often caused or worsened by pressure on the lower back and pelvis. When you carry excess weight, that’s exactly where much of the pressure is placed, particularly if you have a tendency to carry your excess weight in your abdominal area.
In fact, one study found that every extra pound of body weight adds an extra four pounds of pressure and weight on your joints and back. Additionally, if you’re obese, it can take you longer to heal from sciatica because of the physical strain on your body.
Losing weight is in fact very beneficial for alleviating sciatica pain. Even a little bit of weight loss can begin to reduce inflammation and stress on your sciatic nerve. A well-structured weight loss program that promotes gradual weight loss is your best option.
For best results, you’ll want to exercise regularly as well. We understand that it can often be difficult for those with sciatic pain to exercise, and that’s why Dr. Jones can refer you to a physical therapist who will work around your sciatic pain and help strengthen your muscles. This helps tremendously in avoiding reinjury and promoting long-term pain management.
You don’t have to suffer through your sciatica pain. If you’re overweight and experience sciatica pain, Dr. Jones can help formulate a plan to help you both lose weight and treat your sciatica. If you’re located in the Houston, Pearland, or Lake Jackson, Texas, area, start your healing process today by calling us or scheduling an appointment online with our convenient booking tool.
