Don’t Let Sciatica Steal Your Valentine’s Day Spark

Valentine’s Day should be a fun day focused on connection and maybe a little romance — not pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, sciatica can strike at the most inconvenient times. 

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the base of your spine down each leg. When this all-important nerve gets compressed or irritated, you may experience sharp, localized lower back pain, radiating leg pain, or even numbness. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in San Antonio and Live Oak, Texas, Sergio Alvarado, MD, and our team understand how disruptive chronic sciatic pain can be. The good news? We can help you manage sciatica through lifestyle changes and targeted medical treatments. 

What is sciatica? 

Sciatica is nerve pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Rooted in your lower spine, the sciatic nerve extends through each of your hips and buttocks, down each leg, and into each foot. It typically causes pain on one side — but some people develop sciatica on both sides simultaneously. 

It’s common to experience back pain along with sciatica. For example, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even chronically tight muscles can prompt lower back pain along with radiating leg pain. Some people experience tingling, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s path, as well. 

Because the sciatic nerve is involved in movement and positioning, the pain can worsen with prolonged sitting, sudden twisting or turning motions, poor posture, or strained sleep positions. 

Ways to keep sciatica under control 

The good news? If you have sciatica, you can help minimize pain flares with daily stretching and a little extra planning. We recommend that you:

1. Keep your plans simple 

Restaurants often have hard, uncomfortable chairs, which can aggravate sciatic nerve pressure and pain. Consider having a relaxed romantic meal at home instead, or simply take a walk with your Valentine to reduce pressure on your lower back. 

2. Warm up before activity

Heat helps relax tight muscles, which improves blood flow. In the leadup to your Valentine’s Day plans, use a heating pad on your lower back for 15-20 minutes to help your muscles relax. 

Then, do some light stretching. Lie on your back and pull your knees into your chest for one or two minutes. Perform a seated hamstring stretch by reaching for your toes. Once your body is warmed up, you might incorporate a few gentle trunk rotations. 

The key to proper stretching is listening to your body: Your stretches should feel good, and shouldn’t push you past your comfort limits. You don’t want to hurt yourself or worsen your sciatica. 

3. Support your body 

Your spine prefers variety, so changing positions every 20-30 minutes helps keep it flexible. If your Valentine’s Day plans involve an extended period of sitting, place a lumbar pillow between your lower back and the seat for added support. 

When to see a doctor for sciatica

If your sciatica is severe or worsening — or if you feel numbness, weakness, or experience changes in bladder or bowel control — it’s time to give us a call. These symptoms may signal more serious nerve involvement that requires medical intervention. 

With a little planning, smart movement, and self-awareness, you can enjoy your Valentine’s Day and keep your sciatica in check. Our Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio team is here to help you feel better: Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in San Antonio or Live Oak, Texas, today.