
Causes and Symptoms
To understand how sciatica is affected by the weight of the body one needs to understand how it works. A breakdown of the causes and symptoms.- The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine, through the glutes, down the back of the thigh, and is attached under the foot.
- The nerve becomes compressed or irritated where it exits the lower spine. This can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, or bone spurs.
- Symptoms include a sharp pain that spreads out from the low back and down the back of the leg. It also causes tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Indirect Cause Being Overweight
Being overweight can indirectly cause sciatica. When the body has to support added/extra weight it can cause problems. That extra weight also places tremendous stress on the joints, especially those in the spine. The lower back takes most of the force from this stress, which is how sciatica develops. The stress slowly pulls the spine out of alignment and compresses the discs between the vertebrae, which then compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
Sciatica and Weight Loss
Keep in mind that weight loss is not a cure for sciatica. Weight loss will surely help relieve sciatica pain but there are other issues at work that are combined with excess weight and are causing sciatica. Weight loss is only a step in the right direction. The most recommended and effective ways to lose weight and relieve sciatica pain is having a healthy diet, exercise, and chiropractic health coaching. Other things that can be done to relieve sciatic nerve pain include:- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Home remedies
- Yoga
Exercise With Sciatica
Regular exercise will help reduce the symptoms and strengthen the body’s core and leg muscles. There are a variety of things that make sciatica worse like:- Sitting too much
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Wearing shoes with no support
- Lifting, bending, twisting, reaching, overuse
Weight Training
Weight training will work with sciatica with certain adjustments and avoiding specific exercises that can cause pain and should be discussed with a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist depending on the individual’s sciatic condition.Form and Posture
Weight training form is essential. Practice slow repetitions with special attention to physical form. Proper posture, maintaining a neutral spine, and avoiding rounding the lower back will help avoid worsening sciatica, and prevent further injury/s.
Avoid Overhead and Straight Leg Exercises
Not until the sciatica pain reduces avoid overhead lifting exercises and straight leg exercises, as these can cause flare-ups. Also, avoid intensive abdominal exercises that require doing crunches.Know The Limits
When sciatica is present, the body is in healing mode, the key is to not overdo it. This exercise is minimal, to help in the recovery process, and strengthen the muscles. Too much exercise can prolong the recovery.Losing Belly Fat
Losing belly fat with sciatica is possible. But it will take a sustained effort that will be well worth it when sciatica. Losing the fat needs concentration on three things:Nutrition
Eating whole nutritious foods with plenty of vegetables, and staying away from processed and sugary foods. This is where a health coach and nutritionist can offer the greatest recommendations and develop a customized diet/health plan.Exercise
Weight training, yoga, cardio, or a combination of all is probably best. Whatever regimen is chosen the objective to stick with it.Lifestyle adjustments
This includes improving posture, workstation set up, adjusting sitting routines, and limiting activities that cause back pain/sciatica.