3 Factors That Put You at a Greater Risk For Developing Sciatica

About 40% of adults develop sciatica at one time or another. The condition occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or compressed and frequently causes lower back and leg pain, affecting mobility and quality of life.

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, and our team specialize in sciatica treatment. 

While sciatica affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities, certain factors may increase your risk. Keep reading to learn about the top three contributors to sciatica and what you can do to help prevent it. 

Three common causes of sciatica

Sciatica occurs for various reasons, but three culprits commonly contribute, including:

1. Age-related spine changes

Sciatica most often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. During this time, the spine undergoes various changes. 

For example, the intervertebral discs that cushion your vertebrae (or backbones) start shrinking, and the ligaments that support your spine become stiff, affecting flexibility. Middle age also increases the risk of back problems, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column), both of which can place undue pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.

You can’t turn back the clock, but you can help prevent these changes by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.

2. Carrying excess weight

Nearly 74% of American adults are overweight. While certain medical conditions can make it challenging to achieve a healthy weight, losing even a few pounds may significantly reduce your risk of sciatica. Carrying excess weight causes inflammation, which is a leading cause of sciatica. 

You don’t have to make drastic changes to your lifestyle to see results. Simply focusing on healthy eating and getting more exercise can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. 

3. Occupational hazards

Do you spend most of your work day sitting at a desk, looking at a computer? While this may not seem strenuous, it puts excess pressure on your lower spine, increasing the risk of disc degeneration and nerve compression. Similarly, physically demanding jobs that require frequent bending, lifting, and twisting can cause your sciatic nerve to get pinched or compressed, triggering pain, numbness, and tingling.

You can’t avoid these hazards altogether, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. For example, if you work at a desk, get up every hour to stretch, grab a drink of water, and walk around. If your job involves heavy lifting, practice the proper technique. Always bend your knees to pick something up and lift with your legs and hips, not your back.

Request sciatica treatment today!

If you have persistent lower back pain that extends into your buttocks and legs, it’s likely sciatica, but effective treatments can relieve your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.  Request an appointment with Dr. Merson today by calling our office at 561-499-7020 or using the online booking tool.