Thousands of Australians experience sciatica each year and Melbourne tradies are particularly affected. Trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and construction require a lot of physical effort which can cause back pain. With time, doing the same movements, lifting heavy objects and working in awkward ways can cause the sciatic nerve to become compressed.
Because tradies in Melbourne often work for long periods in tough conditions, they are more likely to suffer from sciatic nerve pain. We often see trade professionals at Back Pain Solution who have sciatica, disc pain and other work-related musculoskeletal problems.
What is Sciatica and Why Does it Hurt So Much?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a medical condition in itself. It is pain that spreads along the sciatic nerve which starts in the lower back, goes through the buttocks and continues down each leg. The pain may be mild or severe and can feel like a sharp, burning or stabbing sensation. In certain situations, sciatica may result in numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg that is affected.
The main reason for sciatica is when a nerve is compressed or irritated, usually due to issues with the discs. If you’re a Melbourne tradie with Sciatica Nerve Pain Treatment, you should seek treatment to prevent further issues.
Disc Problems: The Leading Cause Among Tradies
Herniated or Bulging Discs
For tradespeople in Melbourne, the most frequent reason for sciatica usually comes from a herniated disc. This occurs if the soft inner part of the spinal disc presses against its tougher exterior and applies pressure to nerves, for example, the sciatic nerve. Lifting weight improperly is often the reason back pain occurs.
A person may not notice a disc injury until the pain becomes unbearable. Because many tradies are willing to work under mild discomfort, the situation can get worse. Therefore, taking action as soon as any symptoms appear is important for those living in Melbourne.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Tradies who age often suffer from degenerative disc disease due to years of working their bodies hard. As the spinal discs gradually degrade, they cannot absorb as much shock for the vertebrae. Ultimately, the wear and tear of the disks can bring about nerve pinch and sciatica.
Regularly bending, lifting or twisting at work can cause disc degeneration in people in their 30s and 40s. Taking care of disc pain early on in Melbourne is essential to prevent complications as you grow older.
Poor Lifting Techniques and Workplace Strain
A lot of tradies get sciatica because they lift things incorrectly. Lots of workers pick up heavy equipment or materials using only their hands or arms. It causes too much pressure on the lower back which can sometimes result in a slipped disc or nerve pain.
Furthermore, at many job sites, the spaces aren’t set up to protect workers, so tradies have to bend and twist in strange postures. As you continue these habits, sciatica can gradually become an issue and impact your spine. To help patients with sciatica pain, the main focus should be on providing symptom relief and teaching them correct body positions to avoid similar problems in future.
Prolonged Sitting or Standing
While most people link trade work to body stress, being too still for long periods can also cause sciatica. Lots of tradies have to drive from site to site every day and this leads to them sitting in uncomfortable positions. Unfortunately, staying on your feet for hours can cause your spine to become compressed.
Both tasks can cause problems by putting pressure on the spinal cord, muscles or even nerves, including the sciatic nerve. To avoid suffering from nerve pain, try adding some movements and stretching as part of your regular daily activities.
Impact of Repetitive Motion and Overuse
Constant Repetition of Tasks
It is common for tradespeople to repeat the same actions dozens or hundreds of times in one day. Repeating the same actions day in and day out may result in muscle problems and joint issues. Eventually, changes in the body can cause the pressure on the sciatic nerve to rise.
It’s not always immediately noticeable when an overuse injury occurs. But when symptoms appear, the injury that has been done may be serious. Quick steps in treating sciatica nerve pain can prevent the problem from worsening.
The Link Between Shoulder and Back Pain
Tradies who suffer from sciatica in the lower back and legs may also have pain in their upper bodies such as in the shoulder. Sometimes, a person overcompensates for lower back pain or a bad posture habit which leads to this. At Back Pain Solution, many Melbourne patients come in seeking frozen shoulder therapy, as well as help with sciatica.
If a region of the body is affected, the rest must help to compensate. As a result of this, people can experience more stiffness, reduced mobility and increased pain. Focusing on all parts of the body is necessary for a successful recovery.
Why Tradies Shouldn’t Ignore Sciatica
If you do not treat sciatica, it may lead to lasting pain and disability. If nerve compression lasts longer, it is more likely that permanent damage will occur to the nerve. Walking, sitting or climbing stairs can start to feel like real torture.
We suggest that people seek early treatment for disc pain in Melbourne and follow a tailored plan. Addressing the underlying problem behind your sciatica is important for a successful and quick recovery at work.
Effective Treatment Options for Melbourne Tradies
The doctor may use different treatments for sciatica depending on its cause. Some people may experience relief from manual therapy and spinal decompression. For others, using specific exercise plans to strengthen their core and correct posture is useful.
We also give patients complete care if frozen should occur along with the original problem. If you are feeling stiffness in your shoulders, tackle the problem before it gets in the way of your job. Our treatment for frozen shoulders in Melbourne is designed to help patients regain full range of motion and lower their swelling.
In the end, taking advantage of chiropractic, physiotherapy, ergonomic advice and regular support is the ideal way to fully recover.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Do not delay getting treatment if you’re an Melbourne tradesperson suffering from back pain or sciatica. Beginning with just a mild ache, the condition can turn into intense nerve discomfort. Knowing how physical work in a trade can affect the nerves, Back Pain Solution provides you with the support you require.
Whether you need disc pain treatment labels in Melbourne or treatment for frozen shoulder, we aim to relieve your pain and allow you to move normally. Arrange a consultation with us today and we will assist you in moving forward, without the pain getting in your way.
