Weight Loss and Sciatica: Mutually Exclusive?

Sciatica is the collective term for pain associated with irritated lower back, leg, and feet nerves. Besides nerve pain, it may also involve weakness and numbness. The condition can affect any gender, race, or age group. While Sciatica pain is usually indicative of an underlying medical issue, weight loss can significantly alleviate pain.

Causes of Sciatica

Pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back region, and legs are present since the sciatic nerve supports these areas. The nerves originate from our spinal cord, stretching towards our feet. Pain that comes with Sciatica can be present along this path. The usual causes of Sciatica are herniated disk, nerve irritation, joint inflammation, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

The Influence of Weight

Generally speaking, the extra weight that increases pressure or tension on the lower back and pelvic regions worsens then symptoms of Sciatica. Obese individuals may recover from Sciatica within a longer duration as compared to those who are lighter. Additionally, healing will be much less as compared to people who are not obese because of the added stress on body tissues. This is, regardless of non-invasive or invasive treatment methods. Workers who perform repetitive lifting are more at risk of developing the condition, as well as high-impact sports.

Exercising and Losing Weight

man jogging exercise

There is no denying that weight loss proves a lot of benefits, not just for people who suffer from Sciatica, but for significantly improving your health overall as well. A well-structured and supervised weight loss program can be the best choice when it comes to managing Sciatica symptoms. While it can be painful and difficult, trust that it will significantly improve your fitness level and alleviate your symptoms.

Massages and hot compresses also help relieve back pain and spasms that are linked with Sciatica. Physical therapy may be recommended by your consulting physician to avoid further damage to the Sciatic nerve.

Sticking to a Well-Defined Therapy

People who suffer from Sciatica pain often do not exercise because of pain and weakness. Because you lack exercise, symptoms worsen as your weight increases. If anything, this may lead to immobility and morbid obesity. The goal of a professionally structured therapy is to break the cycle so that the patient can resume his or her healthy life.

In addition to guiding the patient as they lose weight, a certified therapist will also place much emphasis on reducing swelling, controlling pain, enhancing range of motion, teaching ideal body mechanics, developing balance and coordination, and strengthening.

Final Thoughts

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are vital interventions for the management of Sciatica and its symptoms. By exercising regularly, you also help protect yourself from reinjury and promote pain management that lasts a very long time. On top of managing Sciatica symptoms, losing weight will also reduce your risk of obesity-related diseases that are life-threatening and more difficult to treat. By doing this and partnering up with a therapist and your physician, you will inevitably rise above the pain and get back in shape in no time.

Robert Woods
At POP, we strive to provide practical preventative advice. We strive to figure out ways to prevent problems that people might have trouble grasping. We've found that other sources have trouble articulating concepts in a way that regular people can understand.
About POP
"Prevention is Better than Cure"
The products and supplements mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, alleviate or prevent any diseases. All articles on this website are the opinions of their respective authors who do not claim or profess to be medical professionals providing medical advice. This website is strictly for the purpose of providing opinions of the author. You should consult with your doctor or another qualified health care professional before you start taking any dietary supplements or engage in mental health programs.