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Choosing the Best Chair for Sciatica

Tess Thompson

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The adage― prevention is better than cure― was probably coined for conditions like sciatica. There is no one cause of sciatica, nor is there one single cure for it. Although not impossible, sciatica is difficult to prevent.

True sciatica is associated with disc deformations that compress the sciatic nerve, but sciatica-like pain can also be caused by poor posture. You may feel that a straight-backed chair feels best for your back and therefore may be ignorantly satisfied with the support that it provides you. But that is not really true. The best chair for preventing sciatica is one that has the following characteristics:

1. It supports your hips.
2. It does not press on the back of your thighs or knees.
3. It supports the natural curve of your lower spine.

The seat should be shaped so that your weight is distributed evenly and your muscles are relaxed and do not irritate the nerves.

The back of the chair should provide the best possible fit for your body considering the environment in which you work. For example, if you are required to work on a computer for long hours, your feet should be flat on the floor and the arm rests should be at a level that allows your elbows to bend at right angles while you work at the keyboard.

If you drive for long periods, your car seat should be adjusted in a way to keep your knees and hips at the same level. The seat should be moved forward so that your feet rest comfortably at the pedals.

Even after taking all the above precautions, it is highly recommended that you take frequent breaks from work or driving for a couple of minutes and avoid sitting in the same position for long periods.

Ideally, a chair should be customized to meet the requirements of each individual considering their weight, height and the spinal curve. This is obviously not possible unless you are ready to pay dearly for a custom chair. You can however ensure that you use a cushion to support your back in every chair that you sit in - at home, at work or while driving.

Ignore your back and your posture at your own risk! Poor posture, sitting in the same position for long periods of time or an improper chair can cause muscle tension and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. An improper chair is a potential risk for your spine and can lead to certain deformations in one or more of the discs. Sciatic nerve treatment is an exhaustive process of conventional and sciatica alternative remedies. A typical sciatic nerve treatment would involve one or more of the following therapies - exercise, yoga, acupressure, acupuncture and/or herbal treatment.

References:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00516.html
http://www.ergo4me.com/houston.php
http://www.omegamassage.com/products.htm