Sciatica is a condition that leads to excruciating pain for many Americans. While our team at Ivy Commons Family Chiropractic in Charlottesville can help you find sciatica relief, avoiding and addressing the risk factors can help prevent the pain in the first place. The following are some of the most common risk factors for sciatica.
Excess Weight
The spine is designed to support a certain weight range. The range itself depends on several factors, like your height and gender. However, everyone has a healthy weight range. When you exceed that range, you are putting more pressure on your spine than it’s meant to support – and that can lead to misalignment, herniated discs, and sciatica. While obesity is the more common cause of excess weight, being pregnant and even carrying heavy objects for long periods can cause the same problems.
Poor Sleep Habits
It might seem odd that sciatica can develop due to how you sleep, considering that’s one of the few times your body is at rest. However, if your body isn’t resting properly, it can do as much damage as other activities. Additionally, not sleeping well leaves you fatigued. When you’re fatigued, you are more likely to slouch or forego proper posture and lifting techniques during the day.
Aging
As we age, the entire spinal column can be impacted by a loss of flexibility and loss of fluidity of the discs. Due to this, it’s much easier for spinal components to spill out onto the sciatic nerve.
Smoking and Diabetes
Both of these impact blood flow, which has a direct impact on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, smoking can lead to disc degeneration, which can lead to herniated or bulging discs and sciatica.
Injuries
Injuries are one of the most common causes of sciatica – even injuries you haven’t noticed. Many people injure themselves at work or even around the house without realizing it.
Find Sciatica Relief with Our Chiropractor in Charlottesville, VA
From sciatica prevention to relief, we’re here for you. Call Ivy Commons Family Chiropractic today at (434) 293-2779 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.