Sciatica is the second most common cause of lost time at work after cold.

“My waist hurts”, a common phrase especially at this time. Many people associate it with teleworking and the bad postures they are adopting, but is that really the diagnosis or is it sciatic nerve pain?

Pablo Zumaeta, Neurologist at our clinic, explains that sciatica is one of the most common and poorly attended ailments. “A large percentage of people often have sciatic nerve pain which extends from the waist to the heel of the foot. It occurs most often when a herniated disc or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve.”

Also, he details that sciatica usually appears with a burning sensation, numbness, weakness, or pain. “Most cases are resolved with non-surgical treatments in a few weeks.”

Obesity is one of the most common factors because the increased strain on the spine and excess body weight can contribute to the spinal changes that trigger sciatica. Other causes are direct compression of the nerve caused by external forces, for example, car or football accidents and falls, and physical effort for heavy lifting or other objects. For this reason, the specialist recommends that, when bending over, you should bend your knees to take care of the spine.

This disease can be suffered at any age, so if you have any persistent pain, please see a doctor. “Avoid being overweight, do exercises and perform an MRI to dissipate any doubts,” concludes our specialist.

Dr. Pablo Zumaeta
Neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma

Source: Ojo newspaper