Every medical condition has its own set of risk factors. Those with sciatica risk factors increase the possibility of developing this particular medical condition – they don’t mean you will definitely develop this condition. If you think you are at risk for any medical condition, you can ask your doctor how you can reduce your health risk.
Sciatica Risk Factors for Adults- The following are risk factors specific to developing sciatica or sciatic pain:
1. Your age: Unfortunately, aging brings with it a whole host of specific problems like the alterations of the spinal column. Our bone density is reduced as we age and this makes recovering from an injury much, much more difficult. The inter-vertebral discs, that cushions each individual vertebrae suffers deterioration. So as you can see the natural act of aging does carry certain medical risks.
When inter-vertebral discs deteriorate, the jelly-like cushion becomes thinner and thinner until friction develops when two vertebra touch. By the age of thirty, some degree of inter-vertebral disc deterioration is already evident. The risk for spinal column deterioration increases if you continue to live a sedentary lifestyle, with little or no daily physical activity.
Another cause of sciatica is disc herniation; although only about three percent of all cases of herniated discs cause sciatic pain. Approximately 33% of all adults, both male and female, have herniated discs by the time they reach their twenties.
The inter-vertebral discs lose the necessary moisture to keep the protective discs thick and capable of cushioning the vertebral one as we age. Due to the loss of moisture the actual size of the inter-vertebral discs are also significantly reduced.
Women often are the victims of severe bouts of age-related back pain after menopause. Several hormonal changes occur in the body when a woman begins menopause. The body’s ability to retain calcium is affected by these sudden hormonal changes. For some, reduced bone density and mass is the result of reduced calcium retention and utilization.
Even though there are many potential risk factors for sciatica that are age-related, this does not mean that you are condemned to a life full of sciatica nerve pain as you grow older.
There are numerous studies that have shown back pain to plateau over time. So if you are experiencing bouts of back pain in your forties, chances are good that the pain will subside on its own. However, if the pain becomes debilitating, then medical intervention may be necessary.
2. Occupational hazards: Jobs that involve carrying heavy loads for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis are very dangerous to the individual and increases their risks of experiencing sciatic pain.
The same risk arises when a person drives motorized vehicles for very long periods of time. For example, delivery truck drivers who put in long hours at work are more at risk than folks who only have to drive short distances every day. The duration of the immobility during driving increases the risk for sciatic pain.
Medical science shows that people who endure whole body vibrations for prolonged periods of time are putting themselves at risk of developing back pain.
Whole body vibrations happens when a person is operating large machinery or when driving a large truck such as agricultural seeders, harvesters, flatbed trucks and plowing vehicles to name a few.
While immobility can put you at risk, so can too much movement; especially if you are carrying heavy objects while rotating and twisting throughout your work day.
The longer a person experiences these types of working conditions, the higher the risk for sciatica. Some individuals who go about their day lifting and carrying heavy loads make use of thin back supports with Velcro and shoulder straps.
Back supports are wonderful in protecting you from stress when lifting and carrying heavy objects, but they have no affect on the negative impact of mechanical stress due to whole body vibrations.
Other back-related injuries that may arise from unsafe working conditions can also manifest even if you are wearing a regular back support with shoulder straps.
3. Osteoporosis: The gradual lose bone density in one area or even multiple areas of the body are known as osteoporosis. As the bone loses density they become thinner and brittle and more likely to fracture. People forty years and older often experience this condition.
The thinning of bones makes you more susceptible to fractures and spinal disorders, including sciatic nerve pain.
There are two very easy ways to help you reduce the risk of osteoporosis. First is fitness; daily exercise of at lease 30 minutes a day is imperative in helping to strengthen your muscles and bones. Secondly is proper supplementation. Ask your physician to help you develop a solid regimen to help keep your bones strong and healthy.
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