5 Common Mistakes That Can Worsen Your Sciatica | Doc Cherry

Do you have back pain at the same time you feel numbness in your lower leg and in your foot? Well, in this video, I will share with you 5 common mistakes that patients don't know. are actually triggering symptoms of sciatica. Hi, this is Doc Cherry, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Teaching you practical health tips and home exercise programs that you will surely benefit from. Say it with me until the end of this video because you don't know the last symptom, Perhaps the reason you're not experiencing relief from your symptoms. These are the 5 common mistakes that patients diagnosed with sciatica make. which they do not know are actually triggering or worsening their symptoms. Wearing tight jeans and fat wallets in their back. Do you know that every time you wear tight jeans and tight shorts, and every time you have a fat wallet in your back pocket when you're sitting, This can actually increase the pressure on your sciatic nerve and may actually worsen your condition. In fact, this is an often overlooked cause. which will trigger sciatica-like symptoms known as piriformis syndrome. That's why we need to take action regarding this if you want to avoid surgery completely. For men, avoid using thick wallets in your back pockets. Transfer it to the front or even to your back. And for women diagnosed with sciatica, it is more advisable for you to wear something looser, especially in the buttocks and in the hip area. In this way, we will not aggravate the symptoms of sciatica. Taking for granted the symptoms that you experience. Do you know why? Because there are certain instances in which sciatica symptoms are considered a medical emergency, especially if you experience an inability to feel and control urination and defecation. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Otherwise, paralysis may occur from the hips down to the feet. And this should not be taken lightly, for patients as well as their families. That's why if you experience symptoms such as lower back pain, numbness, and tingling sensations, Those are not ordinary symptoms. That means there is nerve involvement. Your nerves are like long cable wires. And sometimes, if the damage is severe enough, it may take time to heal. Prompt medical treatment is strongly advised. Sitting for too long. Do you know that every time you sit for too long, if you are an adult who has been diagnosed with sciatica, and if your job requires you to sit in front of the computer for extended hours each day, or if you're accustomed to long drives, These can actually worsen sciatica symptoms. That's why if you have been diagnosed with sciatica, either it may be caused by osteoarthritis in the spine or disc herniation, Always remember our 30-30 rule. Every time you sit for 30 minutes, make sure to stand up and stretch, even for just 30 seconds. This will reduce the compression of your sciatic nerve and will not trigger sciatica symptoms. If your job involves sitting in front of the computer, It is very important for you to maintain the correct posture. Your back should be straight with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. It would also be very helpful if you could find a chair with proper lumbar support. to support your lower back, or if you don't have one, You can simply insert a rolled towel here in the arch of your lower back. In this way, it can help alleviate sciatica symptoms and serve as a reminder to maintain proper posture. Incorrect sleeping posture and improper lifting techniques. Do you know that most of the time, There are indeed instances where patients diagnosed with sciatica would often complain that they were unable to sleep well at night. Do you know why? That is because neuropathy symptoms tend to worsen at night or early in the morning. And some of them are unaware that their sleeping position is actually worsening the condition. If you sleep on your stomach, this is really not good for you. It will show you different conditions of the spine. For one, it can trigger sciatica symptoms and it can even cause disc herniation. So, to help you, the best recommended sleeping position is on your side, preferably the left side, with a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned. If you have been diagnosed with sciatica, it is recommended for you to sleep on your side. You can place a small pillow between your knees, or if you wish to sleep in the supine position, Your best option is also to place a small pillow under your knees. Also frequently overlooked, but do you know that the most common cause of sciatica and back injury the ones I see in the clinic, particularly among semen patients, is actually due to poor or incorrect lifting techniques. This is actually harmful to the spine and can lead to disc herniation and sciatica. Always keep this in mind, even if you have already been diagnosed with a disc herniation, The proper lifting technique is to bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Also, if you need to carry something, keep it close to your chest. In this way, the weight is evenly distributed along the spine. The things you have learned from this video so far are very practical and very useful. if you want to avoid spine surgery altogether, which can become very expensive and which can be a major hassle for you. If you find this video helpful, Please don't forget to click the like button below as a way of supporting me and this channel. Also, please mention your age in the comment section below. That way, I can further assist with making videos that can help you with your sciatica symptoms based on your demographics and age. The wrong back exercises. Do you think all back exercises are for you? No, you're wrong. But you need to determine the right exercise for yourself. because this can be one of the most significant key factors that will help you manage sciatica conservatively without any spinal surgery. Why? Because the right exercise can actually widen the space within your vertebral canal. The right exercise for you is based on your X-ray or MRI results. Or if you haven't done one yet, This is based on the position of the spine, which will reduce your symptoms. If you're not quite sure about the right exercise for you, We have a video here. Check on it. This will truly make your life much easier when it comes to treating sciatica. These are the five common mistakes that patients take for granted. but are actually worsening sciatica symptoms. Wearing tight jeans and carrying a fat wallet in the back. Ignoring mild symptoms because they can delay diagnosis and can delay the treatment plan. In some cases, these can lead to paralysis. if sciatica symptoms already constitute a medical emergency. Wrong sleeping positions and incorrect lifting techniques can actually worsen and can be the cause of sciatica itself which can also be a reason for spinal surgery. Sitting for too long. This can actually increase the pressure in your spine and can trigger sciatica symptoms. And the wrong back exercises. Also, if you want to know about the warning signs of sciatica which should not be taken lightly We have a video here. Check on it. It will greatly help you. If you have reached the end of this video, Please comment back in the comment section below. Thank you very much for watching. I'll see you in our next video.