Skateboarding can be an enjoyable and exciting way to get around, but it’s not without its risks.
Its steep learning curve, appreciation of technical skill, and close ties to creative culture have created a peculiarly passionate riding culture that is difficult to ignore.
But with all of skateboarding’s popularity comes the questions– can its intense physicality cause more serious issues? One such issue that has been raised recently is skateboarding-related sciatica.
While some studies contend that the intensive postures of skateboarding can indeed lead to sciatica in skilled practitioners, it may be more beneficial to look at the underlying causes of this commonly-occurring condition.
Quick Facts: Skateboarding is a great way to get around, stay active, and have fun. But can it cause sciatica? Although that is not exactly the typical outcome, it’s possible. The repetitive impact of skating may lead to fatigue in the muscles of the lower back and legs, which could then irritate the sciatic nerve causing pain in your leg along with tingling or numbness. To reduce the risk of damaging nerves, make sure you stretch and warm up your muscles before hitting the streets.
Sciatica relations with skateboarding
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that occurs due to irritation, pressure, or injury along the sciatic nerve.
It commonly affects only one side of the body, and people can experience pain in their lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs as a result. Although a variety of causes have been linked to sciatica episodes, it’s possible for activities like skateboarding to contribute.
Landings that involve twisting forces can cause an imbalance on whichever side your feet are planted on and further increase the risk of injury to your sciatic nerve.
Given this potential link between skateboarding and sciatica pain, it is recommended to take regular breaks while skating and ensure proper form is practiced at all times.
Skateboarding affect Sciatica
The most common way in which skateboarding can affect sciatica is through the intense physical postures that are often assumed while riding.
Skateboarding involves both long periods of standing and sudden jerky movements, which can put undo pressure on the lower back and exacerbate existing nerve inflammation or pinching.
Individuals diagnosed with sciatica should proceed cautiously when deciding whether to take up skateboarding, seeking advice first from their physician or physical therapist when evaluating any potential risks.
However, skateboarders who have been living with sciatica for some time may find that certain activities involving moderate amounts of movement can improve their overall wellbeing.
Precautions to take when skateboarding
Given the potential risks associated with skateboarding, it’s recommended to take a few precautions before hitting the streets:
➲ Warm up your muscles and stretch regularly to reduce fatigue and promote good form while skating.
➲ Use protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.
➲ Stay aware of your posture while skateboarding and take breaks when needed.
➲ Consult a physician or physical therapist if you experience any pain or discomfort after skating.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
The simple answer to the question at hand is yes, sciatica can go away on its own. Depending on the underlying cause of this condition, symptoms may subside in a few days or take up to six weeks.
In many cases, sciatica will resolve itself with time and some basic home care measures such as avoiding strenuous activities, regularly stretching, taking over-the-counter painkillers and warm compresses.
However, if you think that your sciatica is caused by skateboarding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatment as physical therapy or injections might be required for symptom relief.
Conclusion
While there is no surefire way to prevent sciatica, stretching and exercising regularly may help decrease your risk of developing the condition. If you experience pain in your lower back or legs that does not go away after a few days, be sure to see a doctor.
Skating alone is unlikely to cause sciatica, but it may exacerbate symptoms if you already have the condition.
It is important to take breaks and practice good form while skateboarding to preserve your physical health, especially if you have been diagnosed with sciatica. Skateboarding can still be an enjoyable activity whether you are dealing with sciatica or not but make sure that you take care of yourself while doing so.
Lastly, always listen to your body and stop if something feels wrong. If done correctly, skateboarding can be an exhilarating experience without any serious repercussions.
