Jumat, 04 November 2011

Three Sciatica Pain Risk Factors

By Brandon Sharp


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: With aging comes the natural loss of bone density which makes recovering from injuries very hard. We also have to deal with problems like the alteration of our spinal column. The inter-vertebral disk that cushions each separate vertebrae experiences deterioration.

The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae gets thinner and thinner as the inter-vertebral discs begin to deteriorate. Friction begins to develop between the vertebrae causing pain and discomfort. Around the age of thirty there has already been some degree of disc deterioration; especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not get 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.

As we age, the inter-vertebral discs lose the necessary moisture to keep the protective discs thick and capable of cushioning hard vertebral disc. When moisture is reduced, the size of the inter-vertebral discs is also reduced significantly.

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.

Despite all of these potential age-related risk factors for sciatica, it is not true that you are sentenced to a life full of sciatic pain as you age.

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: People forced to move about with heavy loads for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis are also at high risk for sciatic pain.

The same risk occurs when an individual drives a motorized vehicle for long periods of time. Delivery truck drivers, for example, who drive long hours at work have a higher chance of developing sciatica than those who only have to drive short distance every day. The risk of sciatic pain comes from the long duration of immobility during driving.

According to medical science, individuals who experience whole body vibration for long periods of time are also at high risk for sciatic pain.

People experience whole body vibrations when driving large motorized vehicles such as agricultural plowing vehicles, agricultural seeders, flatbed trucks or harvesters. Whole body vibrations are also experienced by those who operate large machinery.

People whose jobs require repeated movements are also at risk. For example, if you have to repeatedly carry heavy loads across distances or twist your body into awkward positions throughout the working day, you increase your risk for developing sciatica.

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.

These supportive back straps are not useful in reducing the negative impact of mechanical stress on the back due to whole body vibrations.

Back supports are a great idea but be aware that you can still suffer from back-related injuries if you are working in unsafe conditions.

3. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is the gradual loss of bone density in one or multiple areas of the body. Bones become thinner and brittle when they lose density. This is a common conditions for people 40 years and older.

Bones become more susceptible to fractures and other disorders when they lose density.

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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