Benefits of a Zero Gravity Chair for Sciatica

zero gravity and sciatica back pain

Sciatica is a common symptom experienced by 10-40% of the population. How to treat sciatica comes down to understanding the underlying cause in your body. Using a zero gravity chair for sciatica pain is an effective way to realign and rehydrate discs, decompress the spine, and improve your body’s overall health. 

What is Sciatica?

Frequently mistaken for any lower back pain, sciatica specifically refers to pain caused by the inflammation, pinching, or compression of the sciatic nerve or sciatic nerve root pathology. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve found in the human body made up of five nerve roots. Two of these roots come from the lumbar region of the spine while the other three originate from the base of the spine in the sacrum. 

Sciatic back pain sufferers experience mild to severe pain along the sciatic nerve. This pain radiates from the lower back down through the hips and buttocks, continuing down the leg. Some describe this pain as sharp jolts of pain where others experience more of a burning sensation. Typical sciatic back pain affects only one side of the body. It can be debilitating and made worse by sudden or involuntary flexing due to coughing or sneezing.

Sciatic back pain affects each person differently. Before figuring out your best treatment for sciatica, you first need to answer the question:

What Causes Sciatica?

Learning what causes sciatica requires discerning the root cause for each individual. Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition itself, and it overlaps with multiple other diagnoses. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disk that has put pressure on the nerve root resulting in sciatic nerve pain. 

Sciatic back pain can come on suddenly or grow gradually, depending on the underlying cause. A herniated disk will cause sciatica to flare up quickly whereas a condition such as arthritis could bring sciatic back pain on more slowly over time. While there appears to be no gender preference for experiencing symptoms, sciatica statistics show the highest incidences in patients beginning around age 40 and extremely few in patients under 20 (unless due to trauma). 

There are occupational predispositions to those performing jobs which require them to be in unnatural or strange positions for extended periods of time. While there is no conclusive evidence to a direct cause of sciatica, it has been noted that occupations requiring twisting, heavy lifting, or extremely prolonged periods of being seated in awkward positioning (e.g. truck drivers) may run a higher risk to develop sciatica or other lower back problems. 

Poor posture, inactivity, and obesity are also contributing factors to what causes sciatica. This is where the benefits of zero gravity chairs for sciatica shine. 

Using a Zero Gravity Chair for Sciatica Treatment

The benefits of zero gravity chairs for sciatica come from treating your entire body. Zero gravity chairs work to allow:

  • Spinal decompression
  • discs to rehydrate
  • increased blood circulation
  • better overall body healing

Gravity takes a toll on the body. You can’t escape this, but zero gravity positioning allows the body to reset itself and recover from the effects gravity has taken. 

Reduce Lower Back Pressure

When treating sciatic back pain the most pressing matter is to reduce the pressure and stress on the lower back. Daily use of a zero gravity chair for sciatica can significantly reduce pressure on the lower back, reducing inflammation and increasing blood circulation. Good circulation is a key element in rehydrating discs. Spinal decompression releases excess tension and promotes fuller relaxation. Reducing lower back pressure not only alleviates pain due to sciatica symptoms but also for better sleep quality in those affected.

Heat Therapy for Sore Muscle Relief

Heat therapy is an excellent sciatica treatment at home as it relieves sore muscles, reduces bodily tension, and provides additional relief from lower back pain. It also contributes to better tissue healing and improved circulation. Heat increases the temperature of the body tissue, dilating the blood vessels and allowing blood to carry oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. 

Muscle spasms are one of the most common causes of lower back pain and contributors to sciatica symptoms. They can cause the sciatic nerve to compress, resulting in increased pain. Heat therapy provides relief from this as it decreases muscle tension and works to calm spasms. 

Sciatica Relief With Massage

Some luxury zero gravity chairs may also provide massage features. These functions make zero gravity chairs for sciatica essential. Not only does a massage help loosen tight muscles but it also releases endorphins which act as a natural pain reliever. Since sciatic back pain can flare up at any time, having a zero gravity chair for sciatica treatment at home provides daily access to relief in the comfort of your own home.

Sciatica is an extremely painful symptom felt by as much as 40% of the population. The best treatment for sciatica is determined by identifying the underlying cause in each individual. Spinal decompression, disc rehydration, heat therapy and massage features, and inflammation reduction make the benefits of zero gravity chairs for sciatica treatment indisputable. Choose the best zero gravity chair to help you feel “right” for the first time in forever.