Your lower back is one of the most injury-prone body parts, and back pain is the most common complaint among the elderly. Due to inadequate load-bearing, extended periods of rest, and the spine's own progressive wear and tear, our lumbar spine is severely vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it should not be a shock that sciatica, one of the various types of chronic pain brought on by nerve entrapment, is one of the most prevalent health conditions. But what exactly is sciatica pain? Why is it so prevalent? Why is pain felt in your lower extremities while it originates from your back? How can it be managed? 

Here are some of the important sciatica facts and myths:

1. What does sciatica result from?
The human body is both tough and fragile in different ways. You have tendons, muscles, and bones that enable you to lift objects that are heavier than you are. However, the weakest link is always the source of pain and injury. When opposed to the upper back, which is protected by a range of structural supports, including a robust ribcage and a set of powerful load-bearing muscles, the lower spine has far less support, largely in the form of core musculature.

As a result, it typically suffers from greater stress as a result of poor posture while resting and doing tasks. When there is too much tension, several things can happen. Herniated discs are the most common condition, in which the spongey sacs cushion our bony vertebrae from pressure and impact burst or herniate. The resulting swelling and leakage put a strain on the countless nerve roots that travel through our spine. Your sciatic nerve, which travels to the lumbar region, is one of the major nerves affected by this compression.

Because it is lying near the most injury-prone discs in your spinal column, the sciatic nerve is often compressed or irritated as a result of herniation. Sciatica might be severe or simply moderately uncomfortable. Although more dangerous than a simple strain, the body is quite adept at locating and treating the sources of pain and inflammation. However, this process occasionally fails. To prevent invasive surgeries, it's critical to do everything you can to support your body.

2. Bed rest won’t help your symptoms 
Contrary to popular belief, the greatest long-term treatment for lower back pain and specifically sciatic nerve pain isn't simply having a rest. Although this depends much on the specific situation, sciatica is often best treated with moderate levels of non-weighted activity. However, regardless of the type of pain you may be feeling, it's crucial to notify your doctor.

Although it's important to lie periodically on your back for the health of your spine, you should try to spend as little time as possible in bed each day. Getting enough sleep might encourage disc healing and water accumulation. However, beyond a certain point (such as eight hours of sleep), this swelling might make your sciatic nerve symptoms worse. Standing up enables your discs to gradually drain and decreases swelling.

Additionally, spending the entire day on your back might prevent you from taking advantage of a variety of exercises and activities that can help you manage your symptoms. But if you're still in a lot of discomforts, resist the urge to force yourself to move. Instead, take over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, and get a proper health assessment from your doctor.

3. Sitting can exacerbate your symptoms 
You could be inclined to try and get some work done if bed rest isn't the solution. But if doing so requires sitting at a desk, you might think about finding some alternate seating arrangements (like a standing desk). Sitting, which puts more strain on the lower back than lying down or even running or standing, might make the discomfort worse.

However, excessive walking or standing might also cause a rush of soreness. You can achieve relief in your symptoms by putting weight onto the muscles around the backbone rather than the spine itself, asking for assistance with sleeping positions, pillow placements, stretching recommendations, and simple core exercises.

Core exercises that enhance spinal stability should be favored over those that cause excessive spinal flexion (such as sit-ups and some types of crunches). Maintaining a healthy spine requires more than just doing more stretches and exercises and sitting less. Consult a pain management and spine expert to determine the most effective approach for decreasing and potentially even eliminating sciatica symptoms.

4. A stressful lifestyle can worsen your sciatica 
Yes, excessive mental stress can exacerbate physical symptoms. Physical stress is intimately correlated with emotional and mental stress, which can exacerbate symptoms and even produce hyperalgesia due to depression symptoms and excessive stress. Therefore, if you're experiencing emotional problems as a result of your pain or injury, think about addressing your mental health along with your physical health.