Skip to main content

Here's How Your Weight Affects Your Sciatica Pain

Do you sometimes feel a painful bolt of lightning running from your lower back or hip down into your buttocks or legs? Sciatica affects around 40% of all people at some point in their lifetime, and your risk can go up as you age or if you have other back problems.

At Pinnacle Health in Kirkland, Washington, Dr. Jason Ablett uses various chiropractic treatments to reduce the pain of sciatica and can help you find ways to lose weight and mitigate pressure on the sciatic nerve.

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It runs from the back downward in an inverted “Y” shape that continues down each leg. Pressure on or inflammation around the sciatic nerve leads to pain when can be debilitating. If you have sciatica, you can find it hard to sit, stand, or lie down without pain shooting down one leg or the other.

What causes sciatica?

Many conditions can lead to sciatica. You could have:

If you work a job that means you sit at a desk a lot, or you have to lift a lot of weight and bend, squat, and stretch, you may have a higher chance of sciatica. Diabetes, pregnancy, muscle spasms in the back or buttocks, or being overweight or obese can be a contributing cause of sciatica or make it worse

What does weight have to do with sciatica?

Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on your spine and legs and can increase pressure on the sciatic nerve. When the sciatic nerve is continually pressed against or pinched, it can become inflamed. If you have a pinched sciatic nerve, you may feel like pain is arrowing from the site of the compression down your leg or into your buttock, or you may have tingling or weakness in your leg.  

What is the best treatment for sciatica?

Treatment for sciatica can include several phases. If Dr. Kirkland sees an underlying cause, resolving a health condition could remove sciatic pain. If you are overweight, he will work with you to create a plan for you to lose weight in a healthy way and combine it with rehabilitative exercise. He may also recommend electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, fascia release, or chiropractic adjustment.

If you have chronic pain or other symptoms that may be caused by sciatica, contact our office at 425-368-5744, or book your appointment with Dr. Ablett using our online booking tool. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

4 Helpful Exercises to Improve Joint Mobility

Have you noticed your joint mobility dwindling as you age? It's common to experience joint issues, but there are steps you can take to improve your mobility. Read to learn about four helpful exercises that keep your joints moving smoothly.

Symptoms to Watch Out For Following a Car Accident

A car accident is scary, but with all the adrenaline running through your body, you may miss signs of an injury. Keep reading to learn about prevalent car accident injuries and signs to keep an eye out for afterward.

All Natural Migraine Therapies That Work

Migraines are more than just headaches – and they're more challenging to deal with, but holistic and natural remedies may be the way to go. Keep reading to learn about natural migraine therapies that reduce symptoms and keep migraines at bay.
Don’t Ignore These Signs of Whiplash After an Accident

Don’t Ignore These Signs of Whiplash After an Accident

After a car accident, you may notice some stiffness or pain in your neck – both signs you shouldn't ignore. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of whiplash and why you should never ignore symptoms after an accident.
Arthritis and Sciatica: Understanding the Link

Arthritis and Sciatica: Understanding the Link

Arthritis and sciatica are both conditions that may affect the spine – but do they cause the same symptoms? Keep reading to learn about the two conditions and how they could be linked to your back discomfort and symptoms.