We’ve all done it—picked up a heavy box or shifted furniture without thinking about posture or technique. But for some people, one wrong lift can trigger weeks (or even months) of pain. If you’ve experienced pain radiating down your leg after lifting, you may be dealing with sciatica—a condition we frequently support at The Chiropractors of Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.
Understanding how and why it happens is the first step toward prevention and long-term relief.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body. It often starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down the leg. While it can be triggered by multiple things, one common cause we see in clinic is a lifting injury sciatica episode—typically from moving something heavy with poor form.
How Lifting Can Cause Sciatic Pain
Improper lifting doesn’t just strain your muscles—it can put intense pressure on spinal structures. In some cases, it can contribute to:
- Spinal disc strain or herniation
- Compression of nearby nerves
- Improper lifting nerve damage to the sciatic pathway
These issues may not always show up instantly. Sometimes the pain develops hours or days later as inflammation builds around the irritated nerve.
Tips to Prevent Sciatica from Lifting
Whether you’re in the gym, at work, or just helping a friend move house, here are some key ways to protect your back:
- Use your legs, not your back – Always bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep the load close to your body.
- Avoid twisting while lifting – Pivot your feet instead of rotating your spine.
- Know your limits – If an object feels too heavy, ask for help or use tools like trolleys or lifting straps.
- Warm up your body first – Even simple stretches can prepare your spine for physical tasks.
- Maintain good core strength – Strong core muscles help stabilise the spine and reduce injury risk.
But if you’ve already experienced pain from lifting—don’t panic. With the right guidance and care, recovery is absolutely possible.
How Chiropractic Can Help
At The Chiropractors, we regularly work with patients who’ve developed sciatica after lifting or due to ongoing spinal strain. Our first priority is understanding the root cause through:
- A detailed consultation and history
- Neurological and spinal assessments
- A personalised plan focused on relieving pressure, improving mobility, and preventing flare-ups
We don’t just mask symptoms—we aim to restore function and reduce the chance of recurrence, using gentle, evidence-informed techniques.
Book your consultation today: https://the-chiropractors.co.uk/#book-online
You’re Not Alone—And We’re Here to Help
We’ve supported countless people in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield with sciatica caused by lifting injuries. If you’re struggling with discomfort, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early intervention can make all the difference.
Let’s work together to protect your spine, reduce pain, and get you moving freely again.
