Risk Factors For Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve branches from your lower back, into your hips, buttocks, and then down each leg. If you have pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve, you could be suffering from sciatica. This condition often affects just one side of your body and is often brought on by a herniated disc. A bone spur or spinal stenosis can also cause sciatica.

Most people who suffer from sciatica compare the pain to an electric shock. It is often made worse when you cough, sneeze, or when you have been sitting down for an extended period of time. In more severe cases, you can experience numbness or tingle in your leg or foot.

While it is possible for anyone to develop sciatica, there are a few factors that put you at higher risk.

Your Age

As you get older, you can begin to suffer from changes in your spine. These changes can result in bone spurs and herniated discs that can bring on the symptoms of sciatica.

Overweight and Obesity

When you are carrying around excess weight, it can put excess pressure on your spine. This pressure can cause changes in the spine that can trigger sciatica.

Your Job

Certain jobs can increase your risk of sciatica. If you are a driver, the frequent sitting and twisting can trigger sciatica. If you sit at a desk all day in front of a computer, you are at higher risk. Finally, if you work in a warehouse or any other job that requires heavy lifting, you could develop sciatica.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Living a sedentary lifestyle can put you at significant risk for sciatica. If you spend your days at work sitting and your nights at home in front of the television binge-watching your favorite shows, you are at risk for sciatica. A person with a sedentary lifestyle is at much greater risk of developing this condition than an active person.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in a number of complications including sciatica. Uncontrolled diabetes increases your risk of developing nerve damage, which can trigger sciatica.

Call Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center Today!

If you are suffering from the symptoms of sciatica, our chiropractor at Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center in Thousand Oaks can help. We can create a treatment plan to relieve the pain associated with sciatica. We can also give you lifestyle and diet advice to keep your condition from worsening.