Can Spinal (back & Neck) Arthritis (OA) cause Sciatica?
As working mums we sit in static postures for long periods of time at work and when we get home we are busy with the kids and household chores. This lifestyle plus our poor postures put excessive stresses on the spine & joints and can potentially lead to spinal problems such as arthritis. Spinal arthritis can in turn lead to many other problems in the body, one of which is Sciatica. Lets discuss if spinal arthritis can cause sciatica in this blog. 
 
Our spine is made up of vertebras that are stacked on top of each other. In between every two vertebra there is a jelly like structure known as a disc, that acts as a shock absorber and provides a cushioning effect between the two bony hard vertebras. This is similar to when you pack two porcelain plates together and put a thick paper or foam layer between them to avoid the plates from rubbing on each other. The disc does the same by avoiding bone on bone contact between the two adjacent vertebra. 
 
In addition to these structures, there are nerves that exit the spine between every two vertebra and these supply specific parts of the body. Example: nerves that exit your neck supply the shoulder, forearm all the way to the fingers. 

Watch this video to learn more about Spinal Arthritis:


Spinal arthritis can lead to degenerative changes (wear and tear) in the spine. These include development of osteophytes or bony spurs along the edges of the vertebra so they are no longer smooth and even. These osteophytes can irritate the nearby nerves. There can also be wedging of the vertebra where the vertebra assumes a wedge shape as it looses its calcium content (osteoporosis). These can put undue pressure on the surrounding structures such as the muscles, ligaments and nerves. Spinal arthritis can also manifest as loss in the disc height, which causes the vertebras to move closer together thus exerting a pressure on the nerves exiting from the side of the spine, thus resulting in nerve pain
 
When these changes occur in the lumbar spine they can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve and cause nerve pain anywhere along the buttock, hamstrings (back of thigh), calf (back of leg) to the tips of your toes. This is known as Sciatica. Sciatic nerve exits the lumbar spine from many levels and is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, thereby increasing its chances of being irritated or compressed. 

In conclusion, spinal arthritis can cause sciatica, but it depends on what changes have occurred in the spine and the extent of these changes. Not everyone with spinal arthritis will suffer from sciatica and sciatica can be caused by multiple other problems in the back or legs, not just due to spinal arthritis.
 
If you want to learn more about easy ways to manage your spinal (neck & back) pain or sciatica, join my free community where we have done free trainings on "Simple Solutions to Manage Your Neck/ Back Pain" and "Simple Solutions to Manage Your Nerve Pain"
 
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MEET SWATI

 
Hi there! 
I am Swati, an Executive Mum Power Coach & Certified Posture Expert

I help mums of young kids working in high-stress executive jobs manage back, neck, and nerve pain, even with low energy, brain fog, and little time to spare. My proven system delivers real relief without stealing hours from your already packed day. The result? More productive professionals at work and guilt-free mums who can be fully present with their kids, instead of being sidelined by pain.



My passion comes from personal experience. I’ve been where you are: in pain, overwhelmed, and exhausted. After two pregnancies in three years, juggling my kids, housework, and a demanding job, I was stuck in a constant cycle of back and nerve pain. The physical load of motherhood added strain to my spine and joints. Meanwhile, adrenal fatigue left me drained, even after 10–12 hours of sleep.

Everyday tasks became a struggle. I was forgetful, foggy, and low on energy. Even as a trained physiotherapist and posture expert, I couldn’t escape my own pain. I stood all day at work, spent evenings on the laptop, rocked my kids to sleep, sat through endless meetings, traveled frequently ... I’ve been through it all.

I kept my pain hidden at work, afraid to speak up. I felt like a fraud, someone who coached others on relief strategies but couldn’t find relief herself. I loved my job and my children, but I couldn’t give 100% to either. Pain was holding me back.

One New Year, I made a resolution: to get healthy, not just fix pain, fatigue, or weight. I focused on reducing inflammation, healing my adrenal fatigue, and reclaiming my energy. Slowly but surely, the pain faded. I lost weight, my brain fog cleared, and my energy skyrocketed. Today, my pain is nearly gone. I feel stronger, clearer, and more in control than I have in years.
And now, I want that for you.

I combine professional expertise with lived experience to support other mums like me, those with young kids, high-stress jobs, and no time for complicated health programs. I’ve helped hundreds of women reduce spinal and joint pain, lift their energy, and clear the mental fog that holds them back.

If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I got you, mommy!

Let’s get you feeling strong, confident, and fully present at work and at home.
Are you ready to start? Curious about how this works? Just ask.

Let's DO THIS!
xx Swati
** Executive Mum Power Coach **

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