Understanding the Risk Factors for Sciatica: Prevention and Awareness
Sciatica is one of the most common conditions which affects many people all across the world. The pain which is generated from sciatica is consistent with a radiating feeling of discomfort along the path of the sciatic nerve itself. This pain will often extend from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. The pain for sciatica can be truly debilitating, resulting in a diminished quality of life; even with daily tasks. While it is true nearly anyone can develop sciatica, there are certainly risk factors which will likely increase the potential of developing sciatica-related nerve pain. In this post, we’ll be going over the various factors which may influence the risk factors for sciatica and how one may be able to mitigate said risks.
Age-Related Changes
As you age, many things may begin to change within your body, especially within the spine. Degenerative changes within the spine, such as a herniated disc or a bone spur, can be much more common in older adults which can possibly lead to compression or irritation within the sciatic nerve. Commonly beginning in middle-aged individuals, the discs which cushion the vertebrae will begin to lose their elasticity, possibly leading to a disc herniation.
Occupation and Lifestyle Choices
Certain occupations, especially those where the job requires prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or repetitive twisting motions will often aggravate the areas of the body which may lead to a compression of the sciatic nerve.
Lifestyle factors will often play a strong role in whether or not you develop sciatica as well. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and consistent stretching will help one avoid developing sciatica in most cases. The opposite, a sedentary lifestyle, will often lead to the development of a sciatica condition.
Underlying Health Conditions
Several health conditions may increase the risk of sciatica. For example, diabetes will often affect the way your body utilizes blood sugar, leading to an increased chance of nerve damage, including the sciatic nerve. Other conditions, such as arthritis, may lead to changes in the spine and surrounding structures of the body’s frame. This in turn may lead to development of sciatica.
Posture & Ergonomics
Poor posture and inadequate ergonomics may end up exacerbating the underlying issue of sciatica if you’re on the edge of developing the condition. Sitting for extended periods of time every day, especially on a chair or seat with poor ergonomics will likely increase the level of pressure on the sciatic nerve. With this in mind, it’s important to find a chair or seat which is ergonomic to support the natural curve of the spine and also take breaks to properly stretch and maintain some form of movement between long periods of sitting.
Genetic Factors
There are certain genetic factors which may play a role in your susceptibility to sciatica. If you have a family history of spinal issues or sciatica, you may be at a higher risk of developing sciatica.
Prevention Strategies
Understanding the risk factors for sciatica is crucial for prevention. Here are some strategies which may help reduce the risk:
- Maintain an Active lifestyle: Regular exercise helps all aspects of your health and wellness, especially those muscles which support your spine and help to prevent sciatica.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight will not only help to reduce the chance of developing sciatica, it will also improve nearly all aspects of your overall health.
- Pay Attention to Your Posture: Good posture is key to a healthy neck, back, and spine. Paying attention to your posture will likely help you improve your posture, leading to a possible reduction in developing sciatica related conditions.
- Ergonomic workspace: If you work at a desk, your workspace should be an environment which supports a healthy neck, back, and spine. An ergonomic chair, desk, and keyboard will help you throughout the work day. Additionally, taking frequent breaks to walk around and maintain consistent movement throughout the day will help promote circulation, ease muscle tension, and prove a mental reset if you’re feeling bogged down from work.
- Manage chronic conditions: Keeping conditions such as diabetes under control to minimize the risk of nerve damage, specifically the sciatic nerve, can do a lot to help reduce your chances of developing sciatica.
Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants Today
While you may be unable to fully prevent sciatica, understanding the risks associated with sciatica can give you a much better chance of reducing your encounters with sciatica throughout your life. Sciatica is a painful condition, and if left unaddressed, it can often worsen over time. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica, you’ll want to contact us at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants to learn more about how we can help with our amazing team of medical professionals. Whether it’s through our in-house physical therapy center, or our in-house pain management facility, we’ll be able to help you overcome this painful condition and have you back on your way to health and wellness once again. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to have you back on track towards living a pain-free life once again.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.