Sciatica that gets worse when you sit or drive

Why does sitting make sciatica worse?

Sitting puts steady load on the lower discs, and a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve roots often hurts more after sitting or standing still.

Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness that travels from the low back into the buttock and down the leg. It usually comes from pressure on or irritation of a nerve root in the low back, most often from a herniated disc (MedlinePlus). The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that long periods of sitting, plus vibration from driving, put pressure on the spine and discs, and lists frequent driving as a risk factor for disc herniation.

Slouching rounds the lower back and tends to push disc material backward, toward the nerves. That's why many people notice their leg pain builds after a meeting, a movie or a drive down I-15, then eases once they've walked for a few minutes.

How should I set up my chair at work?

Support the curve of your lower back, keep your feet supported, and get up often.

• Chair: a straight back with adjustable seat and back, armrests and a swivel seat (MedlinePlus).
• Lower back: a small pillow or rolled towel behind your low back.
• Feet: flat on the floor, or on a small stool so your knees sit slightly higher than your hips (MedlinePlus).
• Screen: at eye level, so you don't lean forward.
• Breaks: stand, walk or change position every 30 to 60 minutes. A timer helps.

More detail: sitting at work with a herniated disc.

What helps when driving with sciatica?

Move the seat forward, add low-back support, and stop to walk about once an hour.

• Bring the seat as far forward as is comfortable and safe so you aren't reaching for the pedals or wheel (MedlinePlus).
• Use a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back.
• On long drives, stop and walk around every hour. Don't lift heavy bags right after a long ride.
• Take a thick wallet or phone out of your back pocket. Sitting with pressure on the buttock can aggravate symptoms (MedlinePlus).

If you're driving to Springville from the far ends of Utah County for repeat visits, factor this in. Short stops are fine. If driving makes your symptoms clearly worse, tell the doctor.

Sitting vs. standing vs. walking: which is easiest on sciatica?

For many people with disc-related sciatica, walking and standing are easier than sitting, but everyone differs.

One exception: if your leg pain gets worse with walking and eases when you sit or lean forward, that pattern is more typical of spinal stenosis (MedlinePlus), which is handled differently.

When should sitting-related sciatica be checked?

If it lasts more than a few weeks, keeps getting worse, or comes with numbness or weakness.

Most sciatica improves on its own over weeks (AAOS). Get it checked if it isn't improving, if it wakes you at night, or if you notice your foot dragging or a leg giving way. See when to see a doctor for back pain.

Where does spinal decompression fit?

It may be considered for sciatica caused by a bulging or herniated disc that hasn't settled with other care.

Decompression gently stretches the spine in slow cycles on a motorized table. It's non-surgical and drug-free. It isn't a fit for every cause of leg pain, the research on it is limited, and results vary. Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC examines you and reviews any imaging before recommending anything, and will tell you if something else makes more sense. Call (801) 491-8688 to ask.

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.