Will My Job Put Me at Risk of Needing Sciatica Pain Treatment in West Orange?

June 22, 2021

HARVARD TRAINED back PAIN DOCTORS in New jersey

5 Professions That Increase the Risk of Developing Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain appears in the lower back but can extend to the hips and legs, often being accompanied by numbness or weakness of the lower limbs. This happens when something is irritating or putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, the biggest nerve in the body that runs from the spine all the way down each leg.

The type of symptoms you will experience, as well as how severe they are, is going to depend on the issue that is causing damage to the sciatic nerve. Other factors, such as your age, overall health, and lifestyle implications can also increase the risk of developing sciatica pain. Among those lifestyle implications – our jobs.

Our work takes up many hours of our weeks, so it is not surprising that it might also be to blame for the ache that is currently bothering your lower back. Certain jobs that require performing repetitive movements, sitting all day, or lifting heavy objects may put a lot more pressure on your back, leading to sciatica.

Are you wondering whether your job may increase the risk of developing sciatica pain? The Harvard trained and board-certified doctors at Pain Treatment Specialists are here to clear the air and tell us which professions can put a strain on your lower back. If your job is on the following list, it may be time you start looking for sciatica pain treatment in West Orange.

1. Driver

While you were probably not expecting this, driving jobs are incredibly demanding for the back. Being in a seated position for prolonged hours puts pressure on the spine and can cause herniated disks, leading to sciatic pain. And, lately, with the increase in job numbers for delivery and ridesharing drivers, more and more people are exposed to this affliction.

In need of sciatica pain treatment in West Orange? Read our article to find out what jobs can increase your risk of developing sciatica.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve back support and avoid issues. For better posture, keep your seat at a 100-degree angle, knees and elbows a little bent, and consider additional lumbar support. If pain continues to bother you, minimally invasive treatment such as steroid injections can keep pain at bay and allow you to continue your work.

2. Hospital Staff

From physicians to nurses and doctors, hospital personnel spends most of their time working in a standing position, running from room to room, and performing all sorts of physical tasks. They are frequently urged to transfer patients or equipment, which adds to the amount of physical labor they must do, as does performing certain procedures and helping patients around.

Dentists are also at risk of developing back problems, as they often have to bend and arch over in order to perform their job. Twisting and bending the upper back puts constant pressure on the shoulders and spine, leading to neck and back problems.  

If you are worried that sciatica may pose a problem, taking frequent breaks to stretch and give your back some rest may help. Working as healthcare providers ourselves, we know this is not always possible, but there are several exercises you can do which don’t require a lot of time or space. Hamstring stretches and shoulder rolls are just two options.

3. Office Jobs

Office jobs may not seem physically demanding, but just as with driving, this is a job that requires seating for prolonged hours every day. Seating compresses the spine and can result in herniated discs, the leading cause of sciatic pain. Working at a desk may also alter your posture, leading to other back issues such as scoliosis.

If you need to spend most of your day sitting at a desk, remember to adjust your posture frequently. Good posture means your shoulders should be pushed back but relaxed and your spine should receive proper support from an ergonomic chair. From time to time, stand up and move around to stretch your back.

4. Construction Workers

Those working on a construction site spend most of their working hours performing heavy lifting, pushing, dragging, climbing ladders, and many other physically demanding tasks. These activities can place pressure on your lower back, producing pain and contributing to the development of sciatica and other back conditions.

To avoid discomfort, never lift anything weighing more than 50 pounds on your own. It is best to use a forklift or ask someone to give you a hand in order to avoid forcing yourself. Wear appropriate equipment, such as gloves for better grip, shoes that support your back, and comfortable clothing that allows for free movement.

5. Industrial Workers

Working in a factory involves a lot of physical effort, which sooner or later will put a strain on the spine. Industrial workers spend the majority of their working hours performing repetitive tasks, which adds to the natural wear and tear of the bones and can lead to herniated discs, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. These repeated motions can also create muscular exhaustion, and when this happens, the muscles in the back might quit supporting the spine, resulting in severe pain.

To avoid your work taking a toll on your back, stretches should be an important part of every break. If you must lift heavy objects, squat with your back straight and use your legs to lift instead of your back. For more spinal support, consult your doctor about a back brace.

If sciatica pain keeps giving you trouble, it may be time to book an appointment with a Harvard trained back pain specialist. Dr Michael Nguyen, Dr George Hanna, and their team of board-certified pain doctors are here to help you find the best-suited treatment for your condition. Book an appointment at our West Orange, NJ Pain Center near the Essex Country Club today or at any of our conveniently-placed New Jersey and New York clinics!

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Meet Our Team of Back Pain Specialists

All of our Pain Doctors in New Jersey are Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management

Dr. George Hanna - Back Pain Treatment Specialist in NJ

Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ

Dr. George Hanna

Dr. Hanna is a Harvard Trained back specialist in New Jersey and New York.  He serves as Medical Director of Pain Management.

Dr. Lombardi - Back pain treatment specialist NJ

Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ

Dr. Laura Lombardi

Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, New Jersey.

Dr. Shane Volney - Back Pain Doctor NJ

Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ

Dr. Shane Volney

Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.

Dr M Circle Thumb

Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ

Dr. Michael Nguyen

Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.

Dr. Hanna

Dr. George Hanna

Dr. Hanna is a Harvard Trained back specialist in New Jersey and New York.  He serves as Medical Director of Pain Management.
Dr. Hanna

Dr. Laura Lombardi

Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, and Paramus New Jersey.

Dr. Hanna

Dr. Shane Volney

Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.

Dr. Hanna

Dr. Michael Nguyen

Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.