How to Manage Sciatica When Working in Vacaville

When you have sciatica, ergonomics plays an important factor in preventing difficulties while you work. Sciatica in Vacaville can cause pain on your buttock, legs, and lower back, thus making even simple tasks really difficult to cope with.

Simple Changes that Can Help With Sciatica Pain in Vacaville

If you have sciatica and have difficulties in doing even simple tasks, there are things that you can do to help manage it. Try making these changes in your work environment and see if it helps in managing your sciatica symptoms.

1. Take A Seat - If you sit for long periods of time, it's not doing your spine or sciatica pain any favors. If possible, you should stand up every 20 minutes and walk around your office.
   • To make sitting more tolerable, try investing in a well-designed ergonomic chair. If you want, add low back support by putting a lumbar pillow or a rolled-up towel at the base of your chair. Make sure to also try the following tips in reducing sciatica pain while sitting:
     • Avoid crossing your legs.
     • Place your feet flat on the floor.
     • Ensure your hips and knees are bent at a 45-degree angle.
     • Utilize the wheels on your chair to avoid twisting and turning your body.
2. Take A Stand - Changing your posture is a smart way of caring for your spine during work, so mix it up when sitting and standing. Sitting all day is known to cause a wide array of health problems beyond back pain, which includes obesity and type 2 diabetes.
   • By incorporating standing during your work hours, there are potential benefits it. Here are some of them:
     • Standing lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes: According to studies, sitting for several hours during the day can cause higher levels of fasting blood sugar.
     • Standing lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease: If you sit for at least 2 hours each day, your risk for cardiovascular-related health problems will rise by 125%.
     • Standing can burn some extra calories: Regular use of sit-stand desks at work can help burn calories and prevent weight gain. This goes especially well when it is paired with low-intensity activities
   • Even though standing is important, you still need to avoid standing in one place for a long time. But if your job requires you to stand, try resting one foot on a stool or a small sturdy box. Alternate each foot every 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Stay Close To Work - Make sure to keep your work close so that you don't have to always bend forward. When you're forward bending, your sciatic nerve will be aggravated. So, relax your shoulders, and rest your arms and elbows on the desk.
4. Your Mattress Matters - What better way to end a long and tiring day than a good rest. However, the thing you let your backrest on can affect how better you'll feel the next day. A soft and lumpy mattress will not fully support your spine. It may even lead to muscle fatigue and a poor quality of sleep. If possible, invest in a good quality mattress so that your back will thank you after you've had a tiring day.

So, take these tips into consideration to not only reduce your sciatica symptoms but also take good care of your back in the process. Once you do, you'll surely experience some relief and feel better every time. But remember, it is still best to see a doctor to ensure that something isn't wrong beyond sciatica.