A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop low back pain [11] or sciatica with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing low back pain [11] or sciatica. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors include:

Sedentary Job or Lifestyle

Muscles that support the back can become weak with lack of exercise [12].

Occupation

Work that requires the following motions puts additional stress [13] on the back:

• Heavy lifting
• Bending or twisting
• Exposure to vibrations, such as riding in a car or operating heavy machinery

Participating in Strenuous or Contact Sports

Injuries from contact sports or falls can result in back pain [11].

Cigarette Smoking

Smoking can harm structures of the spine.

Obesity [14]

Excess body weight puts pressure on the spine and discs.

Improper Lifting Techniques

Lifting objects using your back muscles [15] instead of the stronger muscles [15] in your legs increases your risk of back injury.

Age

As you grow older, the discs in your back begin to degenerate, increasing the risk of disc problems and back pain [11], especially after age 40. However, even with some disc degeneration seen on X-rays, most people do not have back pain [11] secondary to that.