Below, we will be discussing 4 risk factors that increase the chance of developing sciatica pain so that you know if it’s time to schedule an appointment with a sciatica doctor near you in New Jersey as soon as possible.

Wear and Tear

As we get older, it is only natural our bodies won’t be as strong and healthy as they used to. In fact, Aging is a major risk factor for developing sciatica pain. This is because the vertebrae disks and bone spurs go through changes as a person gets older, which can cause a number of disorders that lead to spine degeneration.

Most commonly, sciatic pain can be felt after the age of 30, when degeneration of the disks starts to occur. Spinal stenosis, which is described as the narrowing of the spine, is another condition that causes sciatic pain and can start to appear after the age of 50.

Individuals that are prone to arthritis should also monitor any arthritic changes and bone spurs to ensure any issue is spotted in time.

Unfortunately, many of these changes arise naturally as we age, and we have little influence over them. Work, sports, and even some social activities may increase the risk of spine injury, resulting in sciatic pain. Common types of treatment for sciatica, such as steroid injections, have been very effective with pain management and allows individuals to continue living their life.

A sedentary Lifestyle

Unfortunately, we all have sedentary lifestyles. Most desk jobs today require people to sit for more than 5 hours every day, not counting the time spent commuting, watching a movie on the sofa or driving.

Sitting for long periods of time each day, whether at work or during our free time, is one of the leading causes of sciatica. That’s because when you sit, there is a lot of pressure on the spinal disks, which can cause the sciatic nerve to get pinched and irritated. Too much pressure on the sciatic nerve can lead to piriformis syndrome, a known condition.

The most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing sciatica symptoms is to begin concentrating on an active, safe lifestyle. Do some light physical exercise daily, and remember to correct your posture to avoid putting too much strain on your lower back and lowering the risk of nerve damage.

Too Much Physical Exercise

While this may sound contradictory, as we just mentioned that being active can help lower the risks of developing sciatic pain, too much physical effort is just as bad as sitting on the couch all day.

Constant physical effort, particularly if performed incorrectly, may put you at risk of developing sciatic pain. Heavy lifting, for example, can result in disc herniation, which is the most common cause of sciatic pain.

Pay attention to how you walk or run as well, especially if this is part of your workout routine. The piriformis muscle contracts and tightens to help you move forward as you walk or run repeatedly. The sciatic nerve is situated directly under this muscle, so when the piriformis tightens, it can irritate the nerve, causing pain.

To avoid this, it is advised that you should not overextend yourself when it comes to physical activities. Continue working out, but be mindful of your physical condition and stop if you feel the pain intensifies.

Specific Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can increase a person’s chance of dealing with sciatic pain. One example includes diabetes patients, which are more vulnerable to nerve damage and more likely to experience sciatica pain. Another condition is vitamin B12 deficiency, which also puts individuals at risk.

Excess weight places extra strain on the spine, which can result in herniated disks or an irritated sciatic nerve. As a result, being overweight is one of the leading causes of sciatic pain or a disease that can lead to a weakened sciatic nerve.

Pregnant women are also more likely to develop sciatic pain because of the baby’s weight, which puts pressure on the mother’s spine, but also due to changes in the baby’s location.

If you think you are at risk of experiencing sciatic pain, make an appointment with a pain specialist to explore your options for preventative treatment. Because we are committed to being close to our patients, we are always available for phone general inquiries as well.

If your sciatica pain doesn’t seem to go away, book an appointment in advance with our board-certified, fellowship-trained sciatica doctors nearby in New Jersey. Dr Laura Lombardi, Dr George Hanna, Dr Shane J. Volney will help you get rid of your sciatica pain once and for all. Interventional pain management might be a great option for you, so you don’t have to worry about being recommended surgery. Give us a call and meet our specialists at our pain centers in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall, in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership, in West Orange, near the Essex Country Club.