The Hidden Cause of Sciatica Most People Overlook: Poor Seated Posture

Do you sit for hours at work, in traffic, or on the couch—only to feel that sharp, shooting pain down your leg later? That’s no coincidence. One of the most common yet overlooked causes of sciatica is poor seated posture. At Rise Chiropractic in San Diego, we see this pattern daily—and the good news is, it’s fixable.

What Is Sciatica, Really?

Sciatica isn’t a condition itself—it’s a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your legs. Symptoms can include:

• Radiating leg pain

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in one leg

• Difficulty standing or sitting for long

The Hidden Culprit: Sitting Wrong

Poor posture while sitting places up to 40% more pressure on your spinal discs compared to standing. Slouching or leaning forward rounds your lower back, compressing the lumbar spine and often pinching the nerve roots that feed into the sciatic nerve.

Fun Fact: The average American spends over 6.5 hours a day sitting, and many unknowingly sit in a position that strains their spine.

What the Research Says

A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that lumbar flexion (rounding the lower spine during sitting) can significantly increase pressure on the discs and contribute to sciatic nerve compression—especially in individuals with underlying disc herniations.

Another study showed that lumbar disc pressure is greatest in seated postures with poor support and forward head carriage—precisely the kind of posture people assume when working at a laptop or slouching on the couch.

Why Sciatica Doesn’t Heal on Its Own

Even if your pain goes away temporarily, poor posture keeps reinforcing the same stress patterns. Over time, this creates muscle imbalances, weakens core support, and leads to recurring flare-ups or worsened disc issues.

How Rise Chiropractic Can Help

At Rise Chiropractic in San Diego, we take a whole-body approach to resolving sciatica at its source:

• Postural Assessment to find the exact cause of compression

• Spinal Decompression Therapy to relieve disc pressure

• Chiropractic Adjustments to restore alignment

• Soft Tissue Therapy to relax tight muscles

• Ergonomic Coaching for long-term posture correction

We don’t just treat symptoms—we help you rebuild a stronger, more balanced spine so you can move freely without pain.

Real People, Real Results

Still wondering if chiropractic care is right for you?

See what our patients are saying » Real San Diegans share how they overcame pain, got back to doing what they love, and avoided invasive treatments—with the right plan at Rise Chiropractic.

Ready to Feel Better?

Sciatica caused by poor sitting posture is common—but it doesn’t have to be your norm. If you're dealing with nerve pain, tingling, or stiffness, it's time to get evaluated.

👉 Book your consultation with Rise Chiropractic and take the first step toward lasting relief.