Sciatica is a particularly common thing to experience - around 40% of people will endure it at least once in their life, the possibility growing as they age. The pain radiates from your lower back, past your buttocks and down either leg, and usually only affects one side of your body. It usually occurs when a herniated disk compresses part of a nerve, causing inflammation and sometimes numbness in the area. The pain can span from mild to excruciating and can be worsened by sitting for long periods of time.

​

Older people are more at risk of sciatica, as are the obese, but there are also lifestyle factors that also contribute to a risk of sciatica. Jobs that require you to twist your back or lift heavy objects can damage your spine’s discs. People with sedentary jobs who aren’t particularly active are at even more at risk.