What Causes Sciatica To Flare Up: Harlem's Park North Physical Therapy Explains All
For nearly two decades, Harlem residents have relied on Park North Physical Therapy for their physical therapy needs. Among the conditions they frequently treat is sciatica, which is characterized by pain radiating throughout the lower half of the body due to a pinched nerve in the hip. The experts at Park North delve into the various triggers of sciatica, examining factors such as diet, medical conditions, and lifestyle that can cause flare-ups.
Nutritional Triggers of Sciatica
One of the most overlooked sciatica flare-up triggers is nutrition. Healthcare experts have identified the following foods as potential sciatica exacerbation causes:
- Chronic inflammation can result from consuming simple sugars, like soft drinks or candy.
- Trans-fats raise bad cholesterol and can also cause the long-term inflammation associated with sciatica.
- Doctors advise avoiding omega-6-rich vegetable oils during a sciatica flare-up.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can cause bacteria to leak into the rest of the body and cause inflammation.
- Refined grains like gluten can cause body-wide inflammation even in people without Celiac disease.
- Processed meat undergoes high temperatures during the treatment process and develops inflammatory chemicals.
- Artificial sweeteners may increase sugar cravings and also create widespread inflammation in the body.
Understanding Medical Triggers for Sciatica: When to Seek Physical Therapy in Harlem
Sciatica flare-ups can significantly impact daily life, and understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective treatment. Patients experiencing sciatica symptoms are encouraged to consider physical therapy in Harlem if they are dealing with any of the following medical conditions:
- Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease, affect the lower back.
- Physical injuries, such as those from a car accident.
- Spinal stenosis, which involves a narrowing of the spinal column.
- Osteoarthritis is marked by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
- The presence of tumors or cysts that may exert pressure on the spinal cord.
- Pregnancy, can alter posture and stress the spine.
- Diabetes, which can lead to nerve damage.
Recognizing these triggers is crucial for managing and alleviating sciatica pain through targeted physical therapy.
Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Sciatica
Experts have identified lifestyle as one of the major sciatica worsening reasons. The following lifestyle factors increase the chance of sciatica flare-ups:
- Obesity: One study by Wake Forest University explains every pound of weight equals four pounds of pressure on a joint, including the sciatic nerve.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting for hours without a break, especially with poor posture, can cause inflammation to the lower back and hips.
- Age: People between the ages of 20 and 50 tend to develop the medical conditions that lead to sciatica.
- Smoking: Smoking inhibits the body's ability to heal itself, including the nerves. While smoking may not increase the frequency of flare-ups, it makes them more severe and longer lasting.
- Repetitive movement: Repeated twisting, lifting, or bending over at a job or during sports can put stress on the sciatic nerve.
Whether patients wonder about the role of nutrition in physical therapy or what causes sciatica to flare up, Park North Physical Therapy has all the answers. Their compassionate and effective team can treat a wide variety of issues. Call 212-222-6525 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.
