Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Some people are more at risk for sciatica than others. Our team at Bluegrass Chiro in Elizabethtown and Winchester would like to look at some of the risk factors for sciatica.

Being Older

Although sciatica can strike at any age, the majority of patients are over 30 years old. This is because the spine changes as you age, or you may have suffered an injury. When the spine changes, such as becoming narrower, it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Being Overweight

Excess weight hurts your body in many ways, but it also creates pressure on your spine, which in turn creates pressure on your sciatic nerve. The good news is that when you lose weight, you not only help your back but also many other parts of your body.

Sitting Most of the Time

One reason many people are overweight is that they are not very active. Sitting a lot puts pressure on their sciatic nerve. It can also lead to spinal problems like a herniated disc that can cause sciatica. People who have to sit for long periods because of their jobs need to take regular breaks to stand up and move around.

Being Diabetic

Diabetics have high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can damage the nerves in the body, including the sciatic nerve.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

The symptoms of sciatica are nearly identical to other conditions like sacroiliac joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, and spinal arthritis. Don’t try to diagnose your symptoms yourself. You will end up not getting the proper treatment. Let your chiropractor make a diagnosis so that you can begin the road to recovery.

Contact Our Chiropractors at Bluegrass Chiro

There is no need to suffer from sciatica. If you live in Elizabethtown or Winchester, contact Bluegrass Chiro today at (270) 900-4030 or (859) 355-5100. You can also reach us through our website by using our online contact form.