How Your Weight Affects Your Sciatica Pain

Up to 40% of adults will experience sciatica at some point, making it a very common pain condition.

At its worst, sciatica pain can make most any activity difficult, if not unbearable. And while numerous medical treatments can help alleviate your symptoms, you may want to consider lifestyle changes as well — especially if you carry excess pounds. 

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill offer a range of treatments for sciatica pain, from conservative care to complex surgeries. They can also recommend helpful lifestyle changes. 

Let’s explore sciatica, including the role your weight might play in your symptoms.

Sciatica symptoms

Sciatica affects people differently, but some of the most common symptoms include aching or burning pain and tingling sensations. Sciatica pain often affects one side of the body, and particularly affects the back, hips, and leg. In some cases, the pain radiates down to the sole of your foot. You might also experience leg weakness or the sense that your foot gets stuck on the ground when you’re walking.

What causes sciatica pain

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which starts in your lower back and runs down each leg, gets compressed or damaged. Because the nerve controls muscle movements and sensations in these areas, such pressure and damage can fuel pain — and mobility problems. 

Common sciatica causes include:

• Herniated disks
• Pelvic injuries, such as fractures
• Piriformis syndrome
• Spinal stenosis
• Tumors
• Spondylolisthesis

While anyone can develop sciatica, it’s especially common in men between ages 30 and 50. Increasing age may also lead to sciatica, due to degeneration of your spine. Other factors that raise your risk include diabetes, prolonged sitting, and jobs that involve heavy lifting. Obesity can also fuel sciatica. 

How your weight affects sciatica pain

Carrying excess weight raises your risk for sciatica pain, especially if you’re significantly overweight. A weight that falls above your healthy weight range can increase inflammation in your body and increase pressure on your sciatic nerve, making compression and pain more likely. Similarly, losing excess pounds can help relieve sciatica pain.

To healthily lose weight, emphasize nutritious and fiber-rich foods, which promote a sense of fullness, in your diet. If you’re currently inactive, gradually working toward 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise per day can enhance weight control and guard against pain. Safe and sustainable weight loss typically involves losing 1-2 pounds per week. 

And if you’re struggling to lose weight on your own, working with a caring expert can go far.

To learn what else makes sciatica pain worse or to get started toward the relief you need, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.