Possible sciatica due to being overweight?

Crystalscoops

Hey guys. I'm not sure where I should have posted this so sorry in advance.
Anyways, yesterday I had pain on the right side of my buttocks and now I'm having pain on my left buttocks and it's radiating to my thigh and it's warm. I feel like it's sciatica but I'm not sure.
Has anyone ever experienced this due to being overweight?
Thanks!

GrayRider61

I have it but not due to weight. Spinal stenosis.

heybales

It's unlikely that you shot up in weight so fast that you went over some limit for your body and caused that problem.

What happened the day before yesterday?
What was different compared to every other day - because again, I'm betting weight was not a big difference.

Unless you mean it started up again, and you get it frequently. Recently just happened lately.

Then yes, overweight can certainly make you more prone to it, especially if you've done something in a matter to pinch it.

towardaminime

Not sure what it is. I won't venture to guess but I have something similar that happens. The only time it hasn't bothered me since I had my first child (29 years ago) is when I have consistently walked or done other exercise but walking, even slowly for 15-30 minutes a day, seems to be the best and fastest to make it stop for me.

jenmarrs429

A lot of times it turns out to be piriformis syndrome, resolved by specific stretches.
I would recommend seeing a doc for it, but I need to first see one myself for long term lower back pain (think it is SI joint)
Anyway, good luck. Back pain sucks.

mrssie1223

Hi Crystalscoops! I have sciatica, and that's exactly what it feels like. I carry a lot of my weight in my hips and stomach, which puts extra pressure on my back. I also sit for very long periods of time at my job, which also contributes to sciatica. I would suggest going to your doctor to get diagnosed. They can refer you to a specialist who can relieve these symptoms by injecting cortisone into your back. Believe me, it makes a world of difference, and much easier to exercise and stay moving. I hope this info helps you! Best of luck to you! Michelle

Crystalscoops

I just started class again and the classes are about 3 hours long and yesterday I had a 8 hour class of course with breaks. It's so weird because the pain is gone today. So I guess it's from sitting too long with weight contributing to it ?

heybales

Probably means you are on the verge of finding the straw that breaks the camels back.

Something you'd never think could be that problematic will probably cause it to flair up bad enough to last much longer.

So with likely cause of recent issue, it's probably not an issue of tight glutes, which can cause that piriformis syndrome mentioned above, and stretching can give great relief. That will pinch the sciatica.

And genetically, some have that nerve go through the muscle rather than around - so more prone to a problem.

Might try the stretch anyway, not like it's going to hurt you. Could be you are always tight there.

http://www.spinesport.org/4-piriformis-stretches-to-ease-symptoms-of-sciatica/

Macy9336

I have sciatica but it's due to a tailbone that's been broken a couple of times.

WayTooHonest

I have similar radiating pain since injuring myself last October. I go to a chiropractor (a LEGIT doctor of chiropracty) and a psyiatrist (sports medicine doctor), and both have told me that the injury is most certainly aggravated by the excess weight I carry, and has resulted in an extended period of healing time. They have given me specific physical therapy exercises to do and it has taken 8 months, but my pain is almost gone (HALLELUJIAH). All that to say if it continues, go see a reputable doctor, because there are so many nerves in that area it could be sciatica, or psoas, or even abdominal muscles.

Crystalscoops

Thanks guys for all your input. Good thing I started the journey when I did.

mrssie1223

@Crystalscoops Those chairs in class can't be helping the situation much. Try getting a back friendly cushion to use while you're there.

aettinger448

I used to have similar symptoms. It would flare up 2-3x/ month. But after a 35lb loss (about 40 to go) I haven't had any. So whatever mine was, my weight and/or lack of core strength was obviously the cause.