Too Young For Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that is often bypassed when determining the cause of pain in the back or legs. The reasoning is that the patient is too young for sciatica, but this diagnosis does not discriminate by age. Certain types of people are at higher risk because of lifestyle and other factors. While it is true that the most common group of people suffering from sciatica is middle aged adults experiencing degeneration, it is misguided to believe they are the only group at risk.

Aside from naturally occurring degeneration causing sciatica, those who live a sedentary lifestyle are at high risk. Sitting in the same position for extended periods of time puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is common among workers with desk jobs and driving positions. However, with the popularity of technology among the younger generation, sitting in front of the computer and television increases sciatica in young patients.

While too much sitting may cause sciatica, too much work can also contribute to the condition. This is especially prevalent in people who lift heavy objects on a regular basis. When lifting from the back instead of the knees or twisting the spine while lifting are done repeatedly, disks can become damaged or moved from their appropriate positions. Walkers and runners are also at a higher risk for sciatica because the repeated contraction of the muscle in the hip becomes tight and place pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Unfortunately, this muscle must move in order for the body to be propelled forward. Lifting, walking, and running are activities that are carried out by more young than older people. If someone is old enough to perform these activities, they are not too young for sciatica.

Other conditions that seem completely unrelated to sciatica can contribute to its onset. This includes pregnancy and diabetes. The shifting and changing of a woman’s body when she is pregnant may cause the sciatic nerve to be pressed, resulting in sciatica during pregnancy. Depending on the individual, the condition may or may not persist after giving birth. Another condition that contributes to sciatica is diabetes. Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes are more prone to nerve damage, including the sciatic nerve, than someone who has not been diagnosed.

With the causes of sciatica being so varied, someone cannot be too young to have sciatica. Sitting too much or being too active can cause the painful condition as well as health situations that you may or may not have control over.