Contributing Factors

Bad Diet

An unhealthy diet can contribute to various health conditions that may indirectly worsen symptoms or increase the risk of developing sciatica. For instance, a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain and obesity. Excess weight puts additional stress on the spine and can increase the pressure on the sciatic nerve. These kinds of foods can also promote systemic inflammation in the body. Inflammation can contribute to nerve irritation and worsen your sciatica. Moreover, such foods lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can compromise overall health, including nerve health.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity can lead to weakened muscles, particularly in the core, back, and buttocks area. Weak muscles provide less support to the spine and can contribute to poor posture and increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. This lack of movement can even impair blood circulation, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the nerves. Insufficient blood flow can cause nerve irritation and increase the likelihood of sciatica pain. Similar to a bad diet, a sedentary lifestyle often coincides with weight gain and obesity too. Excess weight places added stress on the spine and can compress the sciatic nerve.

Age

As people age, various changes occur in the spine and other body parts that can increase the likelihood of experiencing sciatica. The spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, may experience degeneration over time. These discs can lose their flexibility, height, and water content, leading to conditions such as disc herniation or bulging. Such changes can result in the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The body's healing capacity tends to decline when you get older as well. This means that any injuries or conditions affecting the spine, may take longer to heal and can result in persistent or recurring sciatica discomfort.

Medical Conditions

Herniated Disc

Spinal discs are located between the vertebrae of the spine and act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a weakened or torn area in the annulus fibrosus. This can happen due to factors such as age-related degeneration, repetitive stress, or sudden trauma. When a disc herniates, the protruding nucleus pulposus can compress or irritate the nearby spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve. This compression leads to the characteristic symptoms of sciatica.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis can occur due to various factors including thickened ligaments, bone spurs, abnormal spinal curvature, or the side-effects of aging. These factors can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in reduced space for the spinal cord and nerves. This compression can affect the sciatic nerve and trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Inflammation can cause further irritation, intensifying pain and other symptoms. The squeezed spinal nerves also disrupt the normal flow of nerve signals, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the sciatic nerve path.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition characterized by the gradual deterioration of the spinal discs over time. The degenerative changes can lead to disc instability, where the affected discs become less able to maintain their normal position and function. This associated structural change can exert pressure on the spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve. As the discs lose height, the space available for the nerves decreases, increasing the risk of nerve impingement. An impinged sciatic nerve will cause stinging aches and other telltale signs of sciatica.

Muscle and Nerve-related Causes

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms occur when muscles contract involuntarily and uncontrollably. In the context of sciatica, they typically affect the muscles in the lower back, buttocks, or hip region. During a muscle spasm, the affected muscle may tighten and exert pressure on the surrounding nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The resulting pain is a consequence of sciatica. Moreover, muscle cramps can cause an increase in nerve sensitivity. Even without direct compression, the heightened sensitivity of the sciatic nerve can lead to a lower threshold for experiencing pain or discomfort.

Sciatic Nerve Entrapment

Along its course, the sciatic nerve can be susceptible to entrapment at various locations. When the sciatic nerve is entrapped or impinged, it can lead to the characteristic symptoms of sciatica.  You will experience a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. There will also be numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation along the path of the sciatic nerve. It can even lead to muscle weakness or difficulty in moving the leg or foot because of increased soreness due to certain movements or positions that aggravate the compression. 

Trauma or Injury

When there is a direct impact on the lower back or the buttocks region, it may result in trauma or injury that will damage the sciatic nerve. The sudden blow can occur due to various reasons such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or workplace risks. There will most likely be tissue damage in your muscles, ligaments, discs, or bones. Your body then initiates an inflammatory response as part of the natural healing process. Inflammation can occur in the affected tissues and may radiate towards the sciatic nerve. This can be in the form of swelling, pain, and stiffness, which will vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Pain Reduction

Sciatica braces provide targeted compression, which can help alleviate the soreness and sharp aches associated with sciatica. The brace applies gentle force to the affected leg, reducing inflammation and relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can lead to significant sciatica pain relief, allowing individuals to move more comfortably and engage in daily activities with less discomfort.

Improved Stability and Support

Sciatica braces are designed to provide sufficient support to the leg muscles. By constricting unnecessary motion and offering a firm yet comfortable fit, the brace helps stabilize the leg, minimizing the risk of further injury or aggravation of the sciatic nerve. This allows individuals to move more confidently and may prevent falls or accidents caused by sciatica-related pain or weakness.

Enhanced Recovery and Healing

Sciatica braces promote better blood circulation and oxygenation to the affected area. This improved blood flow can aid in the healing process by delivering essential nutrients and removing waste products from the injured tissues. Additionally, the compression provided by the brace can lessen swelling and inflammation, which are common symptoms of sciatica. By supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms, sciatica braces can contribute to faster and more efficient relief from sciatica pain.