Common Triggers That Can Make Sciatica Worse
If you’ve ever felt the sharp, shooting pain of sciatica, you know just how much it can interrupt your daily life. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg—becomes compressed or irritated. While chiropractic care can bring lasting relief, recognizing the everyday habits that make symptoms worse is key to preventing flare-ups.
Here are some of the most common triggers that can aggravate sciatica pain:
1. Sitting for Extended Periods
Long hours spent sitting—especially in a slouched position—can place unnecessary stress on your lower spine and sciatic nerve. If you work at a desk, take short breaks every 30–45 minutes to stand, stretch, or walk around.
2. Lifting with Poor Form
When lifting heavy objects, bending at the waist instead of the knees can strain your lower back. Always lift with your legs, keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting your torso to prevent additional pressure on the sciatic nerve.
3. Bad Posture
Poor posture can lead to misalignment in your spine, one of the leading causes of sciatic nerve irritation. Being mindful of how you sit and stand helps reduce tension in your back and supports overall spinal health.
4. Unsupportive Sleeping Surfaces
Your mattress plays a major role in back comfort. A surface that’s too soft or overly firm can misalign the spine and worsen inflammation. Look for a medium-firm mattress that supports natural spinal curves and eases pressure points.
5. Limited Movement
While rest is important, avoiding physical activity for too long can actually make sciatica worse. Gentle movement, stretching, and targeted exercises—paired with regular chiropractic adjustments—can strengthen your core and improve flexibility.
6. Diet and Inflammation
A diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation and make nerve pain more intense. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich fish to help your body heal naturally.
At Stinson Chiropractic Center, we offer personalized, non-invasive care to help relieve sciatic nerve pain and restore mobility. Our approach focuses on correcting spinal misalignments, reducing inflammation, and improving movement so you can return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Don’t let sciatica take control of your day.
Contact Stinson Chiropractic Center today to schedule an appointment and start your path to long-term relief.
