Why Sciatica Keeps Coming Back

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Why Sciatica Keeps Coming Back May Mean

We usually think that the sciatica pain is finally gone, but it literally returns back after some weeks. It becomes very frustrating when it starts affecting our day-to-day activities again. Recurrent sciatica generally means repeated episodes of pain along the path of the sciatic nerve after symptoms previously improved. The pain may start in the same leg or the opposite one, depending on the underlying cause. Some people experience mild pain or discomfort every month, but some usually get the flare-up when they do any type of activity, such as lifting a heavy object or when they bend. When the symptoms start coming back, it is better for the individual not to ignore them but to seek medical guidance and fix the underlying cause.

Common Patterns And Triggers

There can be certain patterns or reasons that trigger the pain again in an individual, and knowing what the trigger behind the pain is must be the first step to fix the pain:

• The underlying cause was never treated: This is one of the main reasons behind recurrent sciatica. The problem that was causing the sciatica pain was never treated; the focus was on calming the pain only.
• Weak core or hip muscles: The muscles we have around the abdomen, hips, or spine support movement. If these muscles are weak, the back doesn't get adequate support, which gives frequent flare-ups while doing everyday activities.
• Movements that strain the back: There are certain movements, such as bending or twisting, that put pressure on the spine, causing frequent flare-ups.
• Repeated inflammation: If there is swelling around the nerve, then it may flare up again due to changes in the weather, temperature, and even lifestyle.
• Short-term treatment: If the treatment only focuses on calming the pain or symptoms, then the sciatica may come up again.

If these symptoms are further ignored, then it may turn into a serious illness that may take a long time to fix.

Other Possible Explanations

What people generally do is that, if they get mild relief from the sciatica pain, they go back to their day-to-day activities again and stop taking the precautions they were advised to take. When you are taking treatment for something, you must follow all the things mentioned in the treatment protocol. Certain daily habits also cause sciatica flare-ups, such as sitting all day, sleeping on an unsupportive mattress, wearing the wrong shoes, carrying heavy things, or a sudden increase in physical activity after a long time of stillness. 

What The Reader Can Do Now

To reduce the chances of sciatica from returning, the reader can do the following things:

• Fixing the root cause: If the individual experiences frequent episodes of sciatica pain, then his main focus must be knowing the root cause and fixing it so that the pain doesn't flare up again.
• Strengthen your core: If you have weak muscles around your core and back, then you must focus on strengthening them by doing the training recommended by your doctor.
• Keep moving: Sitting still all day can make your spine weak. If you work, then make a routine and take breaks in between to do some stretching and go for a quick one-minute walk just to relieve the built-up tension in the muscles.
• Learn safe lifting techniques: Whenever you are lifting something heavy, bend your knees instead of your back, keep the object close to your body, and completely avoid twisting while lifting or moving. This will help in keeping your spine and back safe.
• Improve your workplace ergonomics: Small adjustments at your workplace can help a lot. Use a chair with good lumbar support, keep your feet flat on the floor, adjust your laptop screen, and keep your shoulders relaxed while typing.

How It Is Assessed

A doctor will usually ask you about the pain pattern and the symptoms. He will also ask you questions about your medical history. He may also do a physical assessment by lifting your leg to check where the pain actually is and tapping your knees to check your reflexes and test your leg strength. If this severe pain stays for several days, an MRI scan, X-ray, or other related tests are also suggested to see a clear picture inside your back.

In Ayurveda, the practitioner will do a pulse diagnosis to check which of your internal energies are imbalanced. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, digestion, and food habits. They will also do a symptom analysis and will learn about your medical history.

When To Seek Medical Care

Repeated episodes of sciatica can make your life frustrating and uncomfortable; if you have the following signs, then seek medical care:

• You start noticing increasing weakness in your legs.
• The nerve pain starts disturbing your daily life and sleep.
• You find walking the most difficult task.
• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel.
• Sudden weakness in the inner thighs or groin area.

Related Jiva Guides

Jiva Ayurveda focuses on treating the deep root cause of your pain, rather than just masking the symptoms. Their natural approach uses simple daily habits to keep your body warm, well-nourished, and safely healed from the inside out.

• Fixing your digestion: If your digestion is weak, unprocessed food turns into a sticky, toxic waste inside your body. This heavy waste eventually settles into your tight joint spaces and directly causes sharp pain.
• Improving your lifestyle: Small daily habits make a huge difference. You will get a simple plan to help manage your stress, improve your sleep, and adjust your meals so your body can rest and heal naturally.
• Using herbs and therapies: Natural herbs like ashwagandha, guggul, and turmeric are used to safely speed up your healing. Gentle therapies using warm medicated oils and steam are also recommended to deeply relax frozen, painful muscles.
• Balancing your body's energy: Sciatica usually starts when your body's natural Vata energy becomes too cold, dry, and unbalanced. A specific, warm diet is created just for you to calm this energy down and stop the nerve pain from coming back.

References

Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica - PMC

Risk Factors, Prevention, and Primary and Secondary Management of Sciatica: An Updated Overview - PMC