An increasing number of people in the UK are experiencing sciatica, a debilitating nerve pain, with experts suggesting a rise in cases even among younger adults. Lifestyle factors like obesity and sedentary behavior are believed to be key contributors.

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by excruciating pain radiating down the leg from the lower back. Approximately three million people in the UK experience this pain, which can manifest as burning, stabbing, or electric-shock sensations extending from the lower back, hips, or buttocks down to the heels.

The pain arises from inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve, which runs from the base of the spine through the buttocks and down each leg.

Rising Prevalence & Diagnostic Challenges

While sciatica affects roughly one in four people during their lifetime, anecdotal evidence from medical professionals suggests a growing prevalence, even among younger adults, as exemplified by singer Adele’s long-term struggle with the condition stemming from a teenage injury.

Accurately tracking the rise of sciatica is challenging because it is a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis. It often develops as a consequence of underlying issues like slipped discs, arthritis, or osteoporosis.

Data and Projections

Recent data from NHS England’s 2024 Health Survey indicates that 26% of adults report chronic pain, with over half experiencing back pain – a category likely encompassing a significant portion of sciatica cases.

The Health Foundation estimates a further 1.9 million adults could be living with chronic pain by 2040, largely due to musculoskeletal problems, highlighting the escalating nature of this health concern.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to this trend, including the rising rates of obesity – now affecting around one-third of UK adults, a substantial increase from 15% in the early 1990s. Excess weight places additional strain on joints and nerves, increasing susceptibility to sciatica and exacerbating existing conditions.

A seemingly innocuous action like a sneeze or a sudden twist can then trigger the onset of pain.

Beyond obesity, lifestyle changes are playing a crucial role. The shift towards more sedentary habits post-Covid, coupled with the increase in desk-based and work-from-home jobs, is contributing to the problem, even among younger demographics.

Consultant neurosurgeon Alireza Shoakazemi notes a clear increase in sciatica cases in his clinics, aligning with global studies. He emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining precise UK figures due to sciatica’s symptomatic nature. While an aging population is a factor, the trend of younger adults developing sciatica earlier is particularly concerning.

Prolonged sitting, office work, and even virtual meetings are identified as potential contributors. Recent responses to a query from The Mail on Sunday’s GP Dr Ellie Cannon revealed the devastating impact of sciatica on individuals’ lives, with some reporting an inability to walk even a short distance without excruciating pain.

Many reported developing the condition without being overweight, and some linked it to stress, bereavement, or changes in lifestyle during the pandemic. Interestingly, several readers suggested that carrying wallets or mobile phones in back pockets could contribute to uneven sitting and increased pressure on the lower back.