At some point in your life, you may have experienced an electric-like pain or a tingling sensation traveling through your lower back, down to your buttocks and thigh, and even reaching your leg.
That is called Sciatica. If you haven’t felt this at your age, you’re lucky. But if you do, that makes you one among the 40% of the US population who are suffering from this.
Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe, but it is usually self-limiting and resolves itself. However, while you have it, you may feel that Sciatica will not go away. In this case, you think of how to treat it, preferably the quickest and most effective method.
In this article, we will discuss what sciatica is, understand why it happens, and analyze possible solutions on how to alleviate the pain, including the use of back braces.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve – the longest and thickest nerve in the human body – is pinched or compressed, usually caused by a bulging or herniated disc between the vertebrae in the lower spine.
Sciatica symptoms include pain, which typically manifests as a burning or electric shock-like sensation that radiates down the affected leg. With Sciatica, you may also experience the “pins and needles” feeling, akin to falling asleep with a crossed leg. A more serious symptom is muscle weakness, which indicates that signals to muscles in the back or legs have already been affected.
While everybody may experience Sciatica pain differently, it can worsen during movements like sneezing, coughing, laughing, straining, breath-holding, bending backward, walking, and often at night.
Who is commonly affected by Sciatica?
Sciatica is more common in adults since age-related spine deterioration such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis becomes more widespread.
In fact, a U.S. study conducted to more than one million men and women reveals that approximately 25% of senior citizens suffer from sciatica, and this makes them more vulnerable to serious medical conditions including hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and even depression. People in their forties and fifties are most likely to suffer from this condition, which does not show an association for either gender.
If your job requires you to do heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or lengthy durations of driving, you may also increase the risk of Sciatica due to increased spinal and sciatic nerve pressure. Obesity can also play a role, as excess weight puts additional strain on the spine.
Moreover, Sciatica is also common for pregnant women, considering the pressure from a growing fetus inside the womb. Some individuals are more prone to sciatica due to genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, bad posture, and smoking, as well as a history of back or leg injuries.
How can I prevent and cure Sciatica?
Contrary to myths that say that people suffering from Sciatica must rest, Dr. Atul Patel of Kansas City Bone and Joint Clinic says that most patients do better if they remain active and avoid excessive rest.
Typically, Sciatica treatment focuses on reducing pain and increasing mobility. Many therapies are self-care procedures, and surgery may be an option if your condition is severe or other therapies are ineffective.
However, if you think it is manageable, which is in most cases, doctors like Loren Fishman, MD medical director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City, staying active, and using proper form during activities can go a long way toward reducing the incidence and recurrence of pain.
Chiropractors like Dr. Peter Ottone from Brick, New Jersey also suggests that Sciatica can be prevented by minimizing sitting, managing weight, maintaining good spinal alignment, and practicing good posture – which can all be solved by a back brace, or posture corrector.
How can a Back Brace Alleviate Sciatica?
If you’re experiencing Sciatica pain, you may benefit from the usage of a back brace. A back braces for Sciatica can provide support and stability to the lower back and spine, preventing excessive movement that can aggravate sciatic nerve pain.
Beyond that, a back brace for Sciatica can also help with posture correction, reducing pressure on the lower back, and promoting good alignment to relieve stress on the sciatic nerve and its surrounding structures.
Back braces for Sciatica can provide pain relief by compressing and supporting the sciatic nerve, albeit their effectiveness varies depending on the reason of the individual’s sciatica. It can immobilize the affected area, limiting motions that trigger discomfort caused by movement or activities.
Overall, getting a back brace for Sciatica provides your spine the appropriate compression and support to relieve pain, prevent additional injury, and speed healing.
What is the Best Back Brace for Sciatica?
If you’re looking for the best back brace for Sciatica, the Posture Lobster is the way to go. It treats the causes of Sciatica, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, forward neck posture, herniated discs, back pain, and injuries.
Designed for complete spine alignment and lumbar support, this back brace for Sciatica provides comfort and relief through breathable medical-grade materials, alloy support rods, and adjustable straps. It provides the spine with total support, which encourages better posture and overall spinal health, which prevents Sciatica.
Aside from its effectiveness, the Posture Lobster is also easy to wear, and goes for adjustability to achieve a tight fit that fits your body. This means that you can wear it without affecting your day-to-day tasks.
In fact, this back brace for Sciatica is made of neoprene that ensures comfort and circulation. For faster Sciatica healing, you can wear the Posture Lobster while doing exercises such as stretching and other low-impact exercises to relieve sciatic nerve strain.
Conclusion
Sciatica is a fairly common medical condition that may affect individuals of every age and gender. While it cures on its own, it can occasionally cause chronic discomfort and demand medical attention. Aside from lifestyle changes, preventing Sciatica entails staying active and maintaining appropriate posture through medically recommended solutions, like the Posture Lobster back brace.
Considered as the best back brace for Sciatica, the Posture Lobster is designed to support and align the spine, alleviating pain by preventing the discs from pinching the sciatic nerve. Healthcare professionals recommend the Posture Lobster due to its adaptability, and the potential for faster recovery through spine alignment and lumbar support, making it a valuable aid for Sciatica, while also prioritizing user comfort and effectiveness.
