Dr. Jeffrey I. Kennis,  D.C.
205 Commercial St Boston, MA 02109 NORTH END

( 617)720-2329


 

Making minor changes to your daily routine can add up to major sciatica relief.

See What You Need to Know About Sciatica

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica refers to a set of symptoms caused by an underlying lower back disorder. 

Read:
 Sciatica Overview Video

To help you determine the changes you need to make, we identified 2 common mistakes that may be provoking your sciatica symptoms:

1. Wearing high heels

A contributor to your sciatica symptoms may be right beneath you: your high heels. High heels are a common fashion accessory, but they disrupt the natural curvature of your spine by shifting your weight forward. This can place increased stress on your lower back, which in turn may provoke your sciatica symptoms.

See Sciatica Symptoms

Of course, the best course of action is to avoid wearing high heels altogether. Instead, buy a comfortable pair of shoes from a footwear store that also caters to runners. Most of these stores can analyze your gait and foot shape, and in turn they can recommend a pair of shoes that will fit you properly.

See Five More Tips for Reducing Back Pain at the Office

If you have to wear high heels, here is how to minimize your pain during the day:

  • Wear a comfortable pair of shoes to work, and change into high heels once you arrive
  • Limit the height of your heels to less than 2 inches
  • Purchase high heels that fit snugly (but not too tight) so your feet do not slide forward

See Myths About Sciatica Treatment Options

 
 

2. Maintaining the same workout routine

By now, you have likely heard that it is important for people with sciatica to exercise. This is because aerobic exercise spurs healing nutrients and oxygen to your lower back, and gentle stretching can relieve tension in your lower back muscles.

See Physical Therapy and Exercise for Sciatica

But keeping the same workout routine from before the onset of your sciatica symptoms can actually provoke your sciatica. For example, you may have been a runner your whole life, but running jars your spine and can pinch or aggravate a sciatic nerve root.

See Exercise and Back Pain

For exercise to be effective in relieving your sciatica symptoms, you need a controlled, gradual exercise plan targeted at the particular underlying cause of your symptoms. If you haven't already, the first step in formulating this plan is to meet with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. She or he can then help tailor a plan to your specific needs.

See Getting an Accurate Back Pain Diagnosis

Change is never easy, but ditching your heels and adjusting your workout plan may noticeably reduce your sciatica symptoms.

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