When lower back pain affects one side of your body and travels down your leg, you might have a condition known as sciatica. This happens when there is pressure on your sciatic nerve from a herniated disc or other causes. Since this nerve extends from your back to your leg, you might experience leg pain along with back pain. If you have risk factors for sciatica, your chances of having this condition increase. Our Statesville chiropractors at Druzbik Family Chiropractic want you to be aware of these risk factors so you can seek care for sciatica.

Age

As you get older, your risk of developing herniated discs or other spinal problems goes up. This can increase the pressure on your sciatic nerve due to a disc or bone spur, leading to sciatica.

Weight

Your weight can also affect your risk of sciatica. Being overweight or obese places more pressure on your spine, leading to inflammation in your sciatic nerve, which can cause pain, tingling, and other symptoms of sciatica.

Activity Level

The amount of time you spend sitting can be a risk factor for sciatica. Prolonged periods of sitting instead of being physically active can raise your risk of experiencing sciatica symptoms.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of sciatica. For example, diabetes has an increased risk of nerve damage, which can elevate your risk of sciatic nerve damage and inflammation.

Job

Your occupation might increase your chance of having sciatica. Jobs that involve a lot of driving or lifting and carrying heavy loads can put you at a higher risk of sciatica. Additionally, work that involves frequent twisting or turning of your back is also a risk factor.

Schedule an Appointment for Lower Back Pain Relief

If you are dealing with leg pain or lower back pain from sciatica, contact Druzbik Family Chiropractic in Statesville, NC. Our chiropractors can evaluate the affected area and come up with a treatment plan that provides you with relief.