Are you at risk of sciatica? There are many potential causes for this condition, which can result in debilitating pain and numbness down your lower back and legs. To help you determine your own risk factor, our chiropractic in Edmonds has compiled the following list of common sciatica causes:
- Injury: Sciatica may simply be a symptom of an injury or infection in your lower back or pelvic region.
- Pregnancy: Women are more likely to develop sciatica during pregnancy, due to the pressure that the fetus applies to the spine.
- Herniated Disk: When the disks in your spine are pushed out of shape, they will often push up against your sciatic nerve.
- Spinal Stenosis: As you age, the spinal canal can narrow and crowd your nerves.
- Piriformis Syndrome: When the piriformis muscle in your buttock spasms, it can put unnecessary pressure on your sciatic nerve.
- Sacroiliitis: When your sacroiliac joints become inflamed, it can result in sciatica.
- Tumors: Though rare, some sciatica is caused by a tumor in or around the spine.