Risk Factors and Causes of Sciatica - Michelle

Six most common causes of sciatica:
1. bulging or herniated disc
2. lumbar spinal stenosis
3. spondylolisthesis
4. trauma
5. piriformis syndrome
6. spinal tumours or infections
other causes: sacroiliitis, lumbar facet joint syndrome, iliolumbar syndrome, pregnancy

Risk factors:
-Occupation which involves lifting heavy objects, twisting the back or driving a motor vehicle for long periods.
-Prolonged sitting/sedentary lifestyle
-Age
: Intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate, lose moisture, and shrink by age 30
: One third of adults over 20 show evidence of herniated discs, although only 3% show symptoms
-Genetic factors eg. Inherited Spinal Structure Abnormalities or Inherited Weakened Discs (studies are finding that mutations in the COL9A gene, a gene involved in producing collagen making the discs less able to resist compression, may play a role in 10% of sciatica cases)
-Diabetes increases risk of nerve damage
-Constant walking and running can cause piriformis syndrome