Are You at Risk for Sciatica Pain?

That tingling, shooting pain that runs from your lower spine all the way down your leg can only mean one thing – sciatica. It’s what happens when the sciatic nerve – the largest and longest nerve in your body – becomes compressed or “pinched” by a disc that herniates or extrudes. Not everybody experiences sciatica the same way, but there can be certain things that have the potential to lead to the telltale signs of sciatica.

Even if you’ve never experienced it, there are certain categories that can make people more at risk for experiencing sciatic nerve pain:

Middle-aged or a senior – As we get older, our spines start to degenerate. Changes in your intervertebral discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis can all trigger sciatica pain. Disc degeneration usually begins as early as 30 years old, while spinal stenosis tends to develop in people 50 or older. Seniors are also at risk for sciatica caused by arthritic changes in the spine, such as bone spurs. However, those between the ages of 30 to 50 are the most at risk for sciatica since work and participation in social and/or sports activities increase the likelihood of injury or other types of damage.

• A sedentary worker or homebody – Spending most of your time sitting – such as working at a desk, doing a lot of driving, or lounging on the couch watching television – increases your risk for developing sciatica. That’s because sitting – especially neglecting your posture – can irritate a spinal nerve root. Or it can put direct pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• A manual laborer — Lifting heavy loads and twisting your spine repeatedly can lead to disc herniation, which in turn, can irritate your spinal nerve root. Likewise, if your work involves operating a jackhammer or other vibrating tool, it can result in sciatica or make your existing sciatic pain condition worse.
• A walker or runner – Generally, walking and running are healthy exercises, but both involve the repeated contraction of the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks region. Long periods of walking or running force the piriformis muscle to tighten as it enables you to propel yourself forward. When the muscle becomes too tight, it can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs beneath it. This is what is known as piriformis syndrome – and it’s common among joggers.
• An expectant mother – During pregnancy, hormonal changes and shift in the baby’s position greatly increase the risk of mild to severe sciatica pain. It’s most common during the second and third trimesters. The good news is that you should be pain-free after the birth of your child.
• A diabetic– People with diabetes are prone to nerve damage, including problems with the sciatic nerve. This is due to the damage that occurs to peripheral nerves when blood sugar levels are abnormally high.

Depending on the severity and frequency of your sciatic nerve pain, it can be treated with hot and cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and – if related to herniated or degenerative discs – possibly surgery.

If you are experiencing sciatica pain or any other joint condition, an orthopedic physician can help. Call Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 to find out what can be done to relieve your pain and restore your ability to lead an active lifestyle.