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Finding relief from herniated disc pain can feel challenging. While you may assume that sitting and resting will alleviate your pain, your discomfort might actually worsen while sitting down. Why is your herniated disc worse when sitting?
Expert chiropractic practitioners can help you understand this condition and what you can do to find relief. Below, learn from ChiroCare of Florida about why herniated discs often feel worse while sitting.
Intervertebral disc herniation compresses nearby nerves, causing pain that can radiate from the neck to the arms or from the lower back through the hips and legs. This injury occurs when the soft gel center of a spinal disc ruptures or bulges, pressing against the nerves. Some people develop it due to age-related degeneration, while others experience disc herniation due to an impact injury.
Why is a herniated disc worse when sitting? If your herniation is in the lumbar region of the spine, sitting in a chair can place pressure on the disc, intensifying your nerve pain. Increased lumbar disc pressure when sitting may worsen in certain positions or on certain types of chairs, such as those with little cushioning or support.
You may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, hips, legs, or even down into the feet. This pain may feel less intense while standing, but many people also experience heightened discomfort while walking.
If your herniated disc is in the cervical region of the spine, you may experience pain while sitting due to improper posture that strains the upper spine. This can be exacerbated if you sit at a computer for work and do not use an ergonomic setup that allows for proper alignment of the shoulders, hips, and upper back.
Finding relief with a herniated disc can feel frustrating, especially if your pain worsens while sitting or lying down. However, you can take a few steps to sit or relax more comfortably.
Sitting on an overly hard surface may cause your lower back pain to flare up. A memory foam cushion can provide better support and reduce the compression on your sciatic nerve.
It may also be worth investing in a lumbar cushion that supports your spine’s natural curvature while sitting in a chair. You could even start by placing a rolled-up towel behind your lumbar region to provide support.
An ergonomic posture can also reduce sciatic nerve compression while seated. Aim to keep your knees level with your hips and place your feet flat on the floor. You may need to adjust the height of your chair to allow your feet to rest comfortably.
If you are dealing with a herniation in the cervical region, keeping your head level and centered over your shoulders can also help alleviate pain. Avoid a forward-head slump and use armrests to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle, especially while sitting at a desk for prolonged periods.
Healthy posture, in general, can help you minimize nerve compression by evenly distributing your spinal load. Correcting your posture often involves strengthening your core rather than just being more mindful of how you sit. You may need to build up your abdominal and lower back muscles to adequately support a healthy posture and prevent yourself from unconsciously slouching.
It’s generally best to avoid prolonged sitting with a herniated disc, as sitting increases the mechanical load on your spinal discs. Set a timer for every 20 minutes to stand up or walk around for a bit. If you can work at a standing desk, this may be ideal, especially if standing feels more comfortable. Reserve sitting for breaks rather than staying seated for long periods.
If your herniated disc feels worse while sitting, these tips can help you feel more comfortable. You may also consider chiropractic care to potentially streamline your recovery from this condition. A chiropractor can use manual adjustments and therapy to gently stretch the joints and muscles, alleviate pressure on the spinal disc, reduce muscle spasms, and improve mobility.
How can a chiropractor help with your herniated disc? Is it best to see a chiropractor before or after the gym? ChiroCare of Florida can answer these and other questions during your initial consultation and, if appropriate, perform your first adjustment. Make an appointment in Coral Springs, FL, today by calling 954-225-9543.
