Various factors put you at a higher risk of sciatica. Some of these include your age, health conditions, occupation, and if you are obese. Let’s take a closer look at some of these risk factors, Age. As you get older, your spine changes, and you’re at an increased risk of spinal-related issues, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, which are two of the most common causes of sciatica. Obesity. Being obese puts added stress on your spine, which contributes to the changes in the spine that can trigger sciatica. Occupation. Jobs that require carrying heavy loads, driving for long periods, or constant twisting of the spine play a major role in sciatica. Diabetes. When you have diabetes, you are at an increased risk of nerve damage because of the way your body uses blood sugar.