The rising tide of early-onset sciatica in Singapore
Sciatica is classically seen as a condition of older adults, but doctors in Singapore are reporting more cases among people in their 20s to 40s. The nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg is now being linked to modern lifestyle habits: long hours seated at desks, screens and laptops, and on the flip side, sudden bursts of intense exercise after periods of inactivity. The result is a worrying trend: younger adults slipping into a condition once considered unlikely this early in life.
Experts say the pattern is not purely a “old person’s problem” but a consequence of how we work, sit, and train today. “We’re seeing patients in their 20s to 40s with genuine sciatica,” notes Dr Bernard Lee, a spine specialist. “Poor posture during long sits, and sometimes reckless gym form after a layoff, can irritate the sciatic nerve.” Dr Thomas Tan, another clinician who treats back and leg pain, adds that rapid changes in activity—like resuming high-intensity workouts after months at home—can provoke flare-ups in previously healthy individuals.
How a young life can be touched by sciatic pain
Take the story of Muhammad Zaki Saifee. In 2021, after months of Covid-19 inactivity, he decided to revive his gym routine. During a set of dumbbell lunges, he felt a sudden surge of pain that radiated from his lower back to his calf. The episode was not a one-off muscle ache; it pointed to a nerve issue that would require medical attention and a thoughtful recovery plan. Zaki’s experience is echoed by others who realize, sometimes too late, that sciatica doesn’t respect age or fitness level.
Ms Ng, a young professional who also sought help after persistent leg pain, found that early evaluation and a structured rehab plan could prevent longer downtime. “If you catch it early and treat it properly, you’re not left nursing it for months,” she recalls. These stories underline a common thread: awareness and timely care can change the trajectory of a potentially disabling condition.
What doctors are seeing and why it matters
In addressing early-onset sciatica, specialists stress the value of a precise diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. Dr Bernard Lee emphasizes that a careful assessment of posture, movement patterns, and spine health is essential. Dr Thomas Tan echoes this, noting that conservative measures should be the first line of defense for younger patients unless red flags emerge. In many cases, the path forward blends education with rehabilitation rather than immediate surgical intervention.
Treatment options: from conservative care to surgery if needed
Most patients with early-onset sciatica respond well to non-surgical approaches. Physiotherapy plays a central role, focusing on targeted exercises to strengthen the core and back, improve flexibility, and correct faulty movement patterns. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief strategies may be used in the short term, alongside guidance on activity modification and ergonomic adjustments at work or home.
When conservative therapy fails to relieve symptoms or when nerve function is threatened, surgical options such as minimally invasive procedures may be considered. However, surgery is usually a later resort, and many patients regain function and reduce pain with diligent physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
Prevention and practical steps for young adults
Preventing sciatica or reducing its impact involves a mix of posture discipline, smart exercise, and early attention to symptoms. Practical steps include taking regular breaks from long periods of sitting, setting up an ergonomic workspace, and ensuring gym routines emphasize proper form and gradual progression. Core strengthening, hamstring flexibility, and glute activation are common components of rehab programs that help stabilize the spine and reduce nerve irritation.
If you experience persistent low-back or leg pain, numbness, weakness, or changes in bladder or bowel function, seek medical evaluation promptly. Early intervention can shorten recovery time and lower the risk of chronic pain.
Key takeaway
Sciatica is not solely an “older person’s” problem. Younger adults in Singapore are facing early-onset pain linked to sedentary lifestyles and sudden re-entry into intense exercise. With early assessment, targeted rehab, and lifestyle tweaks, most patients recover well and return to their daily activities with a stronger, healthier spine.
