Taking Your Phone to the Bathroom Can Irritate Your Sciatic Nerve
If you take your phone into the bathroom with you, you may be at risk of a problem in a small muscle deep in the buttock. Dr. Amr Elyamany, who admits to being guilty of this too, explains what happens and how to fix it.
What is happening?
A small muscle called the piriformis lies deep in the buttock, and the sciatic nerve runs right beneath it. Sitting for a long time presses on the nerve without you noticing. Over time this can cause inflammation and irritation of the nerve, leading to pain and numbness in the leg.
Three simple steps
- Cut the time you sit there: try not to stay longer than about five minutes, quickly and without the phone.
- Move your legs afterwards: when you finish, walk a little or stretch your legs to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
- Stretch the piriformis: sit on a chair, rest one ankle on the other knee and press gently forward for 10 seconds. Repeat it three times a day.
The wider lesson
The same goes for any long sitting: on the sofa, at a desk or in the car. Whenever you can, stand up and move every half hour.
Key takeaway: Five minutes, no phone, and a quick stretch afterwards protect the nerve that runs from your back to your foot.
When to see a doctor
- Pain, numbness or tingling in the buttock or down the leg
- Symptoms that get worse with sitting
- Weakness in the leg, or pain that does not improve after changing the habit
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.