Not Just Age: How Long Hours at the Desk Are Triggering Sciatica in Young Professionals - Dr Mukesh Haritwal

For years, sciatica was seen as a condition affecting older adults, linked to age-related spinal degeneration. Sciatica happens when irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression affects one or more nerves that run down the lower back and into the legs.

Once considered a problem of the elderly, nowadays young professionals are facing this too, mainly due to long hours on laptops, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles, causing these shooting pains. Pain that is often ignored as ‘just back pain’ is now affecting a generation that spends more time sitting than sleeping. Let us see what the reason is

Why sciatica is growing among youngsters?

In today’s work culture, marathon meetings and endless screen time have become a daily part of life. But sitting for too long, especially with poor posture, puts pressure on the lower spine and the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down to both of the legs.

Over time, this lifestyle can cause irritation or firmness of the nerve. Additionally, the stress of tight deadlines, absence of physical activities, and comfortable work setups that are not so effective for maintaining nerve health are the most appropriate reasons for nerve trouble.

Especially, young and fit professionals are facing issues with weak core muscles and strains in the lower back, leading to sciatica.

What are the signs to watch out for?

If anyone ever felt a sharp, radiating pain down the leg after hours at the desk, their body may be warning you to take charge.

● Continuous Pain in Lower Back and Leg: If sitting for long periods leads to pain and stiffness in your lower back, then this could be a sign of a serious problem. A dull pain shooting up more deeply from the lower back area to the thigh, calf, or even foot is also not healthy.

● Tingling or Numbness: Experiencing a "pins and needles" feeling, or if the foot or leg becomes partially numb, it could be due to the fact that the nerve is being irritated.

● Weakness in One Leg: Facing difficulty in standing, walking, or lifting the foot properly can be due to a situation of nerve pressure, which needs to be treated.

How can it be treated?

Managing sciatica means relieving pressure on the nerve as well as improving body posture. Early intervention with physiotherapy and physical activities like walking or yoga can help to make the spine and core stronger.

Applying hot or cold compresses helps to get rid of inflammation and pain-relieving drugs that can ease the intense discomfort and pain.

Surgical procedures such as endoscopic discectomy/microdiscectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery, are done to relieve nerves being compressed in extreme conditions. Most importantly, small daily habits like proper diet and rest can make a world of difference.

Sciatica is no longer an old person’s problem and is becoming an occupational danger for the modern age youth. By listening to the body and prioritizing small movements, long-term nerve damage can be prevented. After all, no one should risk their health, as a fit body will eventually lead to better performance at work.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.