Travelling by train through mountains, valleys, forests and rivers is an exciting opportunity to enjoy the panorama of foreign countries and to meet new people. Some travellers get the computer out of their bag and stare at a screen for hours until the arrival, not me. I try to make eye contact with people, and if they seem friendly, I strike up a conversation. Sometimes it is just small talk and nothing else. I love it when I meet someone who will tell me the story of his/her life in just thirty minutes and suddenly becomes a new friend. Usually, women are more talkative and inclined to do that.
A few days ago, during my long train ride from Vienna to Verona, a friendly woman was sitting near me. We started to talk about the fable-like views of small alpine towns. The views were incredibly evocative and the snow was still there in some high areas.
Soon, I noticed she was not sitting in a relaxed way, as someone enjoying a train ride would be. She changed position in her seat often as if she was sitting on needles. Her sciatic nerve had flared up a few days before, she told me, just when she started her trip. That burning, pulling and needle sensation was too familiar to me.
Photo: Nir-Himi-unsplash
After a few decades spent perched on the drawing table, drawing houses and interiors, and after countless hours spent on computer work, I have suffered from lumbar fascia irritation myself, so I understand how painful and crippling it can be. I have studied this matter for so long and deeply, I have tried many solutions and resourceful remedies, so today I can give sage advice, but without the presumption of being a doctor.
I talked about identifying the sciatica type: is it disc-related, is it muscle compression, or is it spinal narrowing? I talked about how to reduce inflammation with the right supplements. Bottom line, no vitamin cures sciatic inflammation and the ageing cells, or so-called “zombie cells” as the lady called them. The most helpful approach usually combines:
Physical therapy/movement;
Anti-inflammatory supplements to regenerate the nerve;
Proper diagnosis of the underlying cause.
Since I developed this problem five years ago, I never took medications; I have been able to keep the lumbar fascia that causes sciatic pain in control. Chiropractic care three to four times a year, a lot of movement, walking, gentle stretches and learning about postures are all the things I do to keep the fascia in check.
The part most people overlook is the workplace setup, where we spend most of our day and where wellness needs to meet aesthetics. Being in the design world, I think of workspace as a designed ecosystem where posture, movement, and visual harmony all guide us into better habits. The goal isn’t ergonomic perfection—it’s effortless alignment.
The first element is the Chair as a foundation of elegance and support (not too plush). The chair for the lumbar fascia issues must slightly tilt the pelvis forward, keeping the hips just a touch higher than the knees and must not be bulky. A foot rest to shift leg position. Use linen, wool, and cotton in the workplace décor. Think European salon meets modern atelier, not office supply store.
The body responds to what it touches and unconsciously releases the tension.
The second important element is a Desk that encourages natural posture. A sit-stand desk is ideal, as the elbow needs to be at 90º when typing.
The third element is the Light, the invisible healer.
Warm, indirect lighting reduces muscle tension. The overhead harsh light is never a good idea in any room. A table lamp with a soft glow creates a more relaxed nervous system, which directly affects pain perception.
Give yourself a posture cue: place a Mirror thoughtfully to bring awareness. Mirrors always speak the truth.
Design movement into the working space, instead of forcing exercise. Create an “Anti-Sciatica Flow Zone” corner, meaning add a soft rug large enough for 2-3 stretches, candles and botanical scents to make it inviting and to calm the nervous system. This is creating a refined, restorative work area, or studio, where sitting doesn’t feel like a bed of needles, the body is supported and movement feels natural.
Verona on the River Adige
We reached the destination: Verona, Italy. We had a long talk, lunched together, and we got to know each other on various levels. We went in different directions. Verona is promising and I have many places to see. Who knows if our paths will cross again? If it will, we were meant to remain friends. Ciao.
Valentina
Copyright © 2026 Valentina Cirasola, All Rights Reserved
Valentina Cirasola is an interior-fashion consultant, certified color analyst-therapist, author of 6 published books, a storyteller, and a longtime blogger. Her books offer non-fictional, practical ideas. These ideas can be applied in the home, fashion, cooking, and travel.
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