What are the risk factors for sciatica? what are the biggest risk factors for developing sciatica?

Nerve impingement: Pain in buttock & thigh region reflects sciatic nerve irritation associated with spinal nerve root irritation, irritation of the pelvic neural plexus, or direct sciatic nerve irritation, such as pyriformis muscle abnormality or spasm.  treatment depends on the cause.

Integrative care: A herniated disc can cause back pain as well as foot pain by physically pressing on the nerves that travel to the foot and by irritating them through the extrusion of pro-inflammatory disc materials. Physical therapy and other conservative measures, including medication management, are considered first line treatment. If these fail, your physician may recommend epidural steroid injections.

Overweight: Being overweight and also being in a job that require constant motion/twisting/bending at the waist, lifting heavy objects etc. Other times it can be as easy as tying your shoelaces or getting out of bed. Best bet is to eliminate or reduce the obvious issues like weight and overuse issues at work.