Sciatica is a back condition caused by a compressed sciatic nerve and a herniated or slipped disc. A nerve can become compressed when you exert too much energy on your lower back by participating in activities that require a lot of lifting. This condition can even occur from a bad fall. When you hear the word sciatica, the most common thought that comes to mind is a dull, nagging pain unlike any other body ache you’ve felt before. About 40% of the U.S. population will suffer from the condition eventually.
However, experts are beginning to look at other factors besides strenuous activities as causes of the condition. That includes factors such as Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is necessary for maintaining good overall joint, bone, and immune system health, and if taken regularly, it strengthens the musculoskeletal system to prevent conditions like sciatica. But what should you look out for, and what are experts saying? Let’s focus on the warning signs and symptoms to gain a clearer perspective.
Sciatica: What It Is, Risk Factors, and Warning Signs
Sciatica is a form of back pain that affects the longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. It extends from the lower spinal cord through the buttocks and down into the hamstrings on the back of the leg. Have you ever been out casually walking or jogging and noticed a pain shooting from this area into the soles of one or more feet? This may be a sign that you have the condition.
Women with endometriosis, an inflammatory condition of the uterus, may be the most susceptible because it can put a strain on the sciatic nerve during their menstrual cycle. If you are worried that you might have sciatica, some of the signs you should look out for include but are not limited to pain in the lower extremities, inner leg pain, weakness, numbness, chronic lower back pain, tingling, and pain that gets worse when sitting for long periods.
Sciatic pain is unpleasant; if you’re over 20 years old, you’ve probably experienced it to some degree at some point. Sciatica pain ranges from mild to severe, and yes, age plays a factor, but there are other factors. For example, risk factors include diabetes, being sedentary and overweight, smoking, naturally weak core muscles, sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or soft, wearing platforms or heels, osteoporosis, and, more recently, Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D Deficiency: What You Should Know
If you or someone you know suffers from Vitamin D deficiency, you’ve probably experienced joint or back pain. Vitamin D is responsible for naturally helping your body maintain a strong bone structure. Without this vitamin, your bones may become brittle and more susceptible to breaking or becoming damaged. Sitting for long periods of time can make moving excruciating. Interestingly, some people with the deficiency don’t even know they have it because they attribute it to another condition.
Vitamin D deficiency can mimic other health conditions and, therefore, has more alarming symptoms that can affect other nutrients in your body, like calcium. If you lack Vitamin D, your calcium, phosphate, and magnesium levels will likely be low. This is because Vitamin D aids your body in absorbing and storing these nutrients. So, make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in the vitamin to keep it flowing.
Being deficient causes the body to feed off the calcium stored in bones, breaking them down and causing them to become weak and brittle, especially in the lower portion of the body. This puts increased pressure on the sciatic nerve and leads to what we have to come to know as sciatica. But in what other ways are Vitamin D deficiency and Sciatica linked? Well, let’s find out.
Sciatica and Vitamin D Deficiency: How They’re Linked
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You may be surprised that Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory for sciatic nerve and joint pain. That’s why you should keep up with regular check-ups at your doctor’s office if you fear your Vitamin D is the cause of your back pain. They’ll likely run a blood panel and compare it to average or low-range values. Once you have a definitive answer, you can ask to be put on supplements, or you can purchase Vitamin D3 capsules at your local pharmacy.
If you don’t want to go that route, you could soak in Vitamin D from natural sunlight. After all, it’s known as the “sunshine vitamin” for a reason. All you need is 15-20 minutes a day in the sun, and you should be good to go. Doing this will make you feel fresh and energized and possibly bring you some relief from the back pain you have suffered for so long. Who knew Vitamin D Deficiency and sciatic nerve pain were so inexplicably linked?
Some healthcare professionals have researched and found that small traces of the vitamin may be found in the spinal cord. If this is the case, there is no question why so many people deficient in this vitamin complain of back pain. Therefore, increasing your intake of it or substituting with supplements may be a game-changer for those who have suffered with this.
Final Thoughts
Who knew Sciatica was a condition that about 40% of Americans suffered from? It mainly affects those over 20, but that doesn’t mean it can’t occur in younger adults. Strenuous work activities, constant sitting, being overweight, smoking, and not eating right are not the only causes of the condition. Vitamin D deficiency can be the exact cause in some cases.
Disclaimer: This article is simply intended to provide information. It does not intend to replace the advice from a physician. Please speak to your healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you might have.
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