Most of the people we provide chiropractic services to in Yorkville spend the majority of their day sitting in front of a computer for long periods. This is very hard on the body…especially the low back.
Sciatica (pain that travels down the leg/s) occurs when there is pressure on the sciatic nerve or nerve roots. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is formed by branches of nerves that exit from in between the bones in your low back. Pressure on these nerves, which are very sensitive to pressure, can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg/s.
The primary cause of sciatica is a bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar spine (low back). A herniated or bulging disc is a condition whereby the center (gelatinous) portion of the spinal disc pushes through the fibrous contain walls of the disc and irritates the spinal nerve roots or nerves.
A herniated disc can happen from a trauma such as a car accident, sports injury, or slip and fall. Or, more commonly, develop over time from abnormal wear and tear due to poor ergonomics or sleeping postures, stress, not enough rest, and life.
Obesity is a primary cause of back pain, sciatica and disc herniations because it puts relentless stress of the joints of the spine, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Sitting all day for years and years can take it’s toll too. Especially if you are overweight or do not live a healthy lifestyle.
There are things you can do to counteract the negative effects of sitting for long periods. Exercise is high on the list. Chiropractic adjustments are also. Frequent breaks can help, especially if you stretch and walk around in between sitting. Drinking lots of water and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with have anti-inflammatory effects can help too.
We also recommend deep breathing techniques and Yoga as a way to counter the negative effects of mental stress and the physical effects of sitting.
Unfortunately, sitting for long periods has also been linked to heart attacks and strokes…even cancer. The moral of the story is that we need to move around way more than was previously thought. Doing so will not only reduce the odds of developing sciatica…it will also be good for your heart and overall health and well being.
To schedule an appointment with one of our Yorkville Chiropractors, please call 630-553-7737. Ask for an office tour.
Dr. Paula Weihler
Chiropractic Physician
129 Commercial Dr Unit 5
Yorkville IL 60560
