Sciatica is a common condition that can cause pain, weakness, and numbness that radiates from the lumbar spine to the buttock and down the leg. Has your chiropractor near San Jose diagnosed you with sciatica? If so, then knowing more about what puts you at risk for this condition may help speed your recovery. Read on to learn about the risk factors for sciatica.
Age
Like with many other spine-related conditions, your age plays a part in your risk for sciatica. The older that you are, the more brittle your spinal discs are likely to be and more vulnerable to bulging and rupturing. When a disc herniates, it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve’s roots and result in sciatica symptoms.
Health Conditions
Do you have diabetes? If so, then you are at a greater risk of developing sciatica. Diabetes affects the way that the body regulates and uses blood sugar, thereby increasing a person’s risk of nerve damage and sciatica.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If you spend a significant amount of your day sitting, then you are increasing your risk for sciatica. The prolonged sitting that is associated with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor posture and weakened muscles. When the muscles that support your spine become weak and inflexible due to inactivity, then you are more likely to suffer from disc problems and sciatica.
Occupation
If your job requires that your sit or stand for prolonged periods, then this may increase your risk of spinal issues. Also, occupations that demand a lot of twisting and lifting can put stress on your spine. While there is no conclusive evidence linking these types of jobs with sciatica, there may be a link that increases your risk for this condition.
Obesity
When it comes to maintaining spinal health, chiropractors often advise their patients to maintain a healthy weight. The reason for this is that carrying extra pounds puts more strain on the spine, and this added stress can lead to spinal changes that may trigger sciatica.
