Top 5 Common Risk Factors for Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your body and is prone to injuries and infections. That is why sciatica is common, as several health complications and injuries can irritate the nerve and trigger the condition. While there are many common causes of sciatica, some people are at a higher risk of experiencing the disease than others. Las Vegas sciatica specialists at McNulty Spine can help you know your risks for the condition to avoid them where necessary. Here are some of the main risk factors that increase your chances of enduring sciatica.

The Natural Aging Process

Everyone is becoming older as each day passes. This is one of the main risk factors for pain, as, with age, you become vulnerable to many issues that can contribute to spine degeneration. This can cause changes in your intervertebral discs, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs, bringing on sciatica. Generally, people aged between 30 and 50 have a higher likelihood of sciatica due to increased chances of spine injury or other spine damages because of social and sports activities and work.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Several things you do every day can increase your risks for sciatica. The type of activities you are involved in increases your chances for injuries that can damage your spine. Besides, spending too much time seated or standing ups your sciatica risks as well. Therefore, if you drive a lot, work most of the time on your computer, or work your entire day standing, your chances of sciatica are higher than others. But you can reduce this by taking breaks and letting someone else drive.

Manual Labor

The nature of your job also can increase your chances for sciatica. If you frequently lift heavy loads or your job involves repeatedly twisting your spine, your chances for disc herniation are high and can result in lumbar radiculopathy. Additionally, if your job involves operating a jackhammer or other equipment with vibration effects, your chances for spinal disc complications, including sciatica, are high.

Walking or Running

Every day you walk and run, it does not mean you are at risk for sciatica. However, if you are an athlete and participating in your favorite sporting activities, your sciatica risks are more likely to increase. The sporting activities involve repeated contractions of your piriformis muscle. The muscle tightens to aid you in propelling yourself forward, and as it becomes tight, it can affect the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Pregnant women are at a higher risk for sciatica as the increased weight can increase the physical pressure on the nerve. Besides, pregnancy causes hormonal changes, and the baby’s position often changes significantly, increasing the risk of sciatica.

Diabetes also increases the risk of sciatica. Any additional weight or if you are obese, your chances of increased pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve, are high. This makes you prone to nerve damage and complications.

Some people are at a higher risk of sciatica than others. The best part is that most risk factors can be avoided and eliminated, increasing your chances of preventing sciatica.

The first step is identifying your risks to know how you can avoid them. Contact your provider at McNulty Spine today and explore your issues. Your provider will help you learn how to minimize the risk factors, including offering treatment options where necessary.