Sciatica

Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of a sciatic nerve root.

Sciatica originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock, and travels down the leg. The pain may be accompanied by numbness and/or weakness.

The symptoms of sciatica are commonly felt along the path of the large sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following features:

• Pain. Sciatica pain is typically felt like a constant burning sensation or a shooting pain starting in the lower back or buttock and radiating down the front or back of the thigh and leg and/or feet.

• Numbness. Sciatica pain may be accompanied by numbness in the back of the leg. Sometimes, tingling and/or weakness may also be present.

• One-sided symptoms. Sciatica typically affects one leg. The condition often results in a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg.1 Rarely, both legs may be affected together.

• Posture induced symptoms. Sciatica symptoms may feel worse while sitting, trying to stand up, bending the spine forward, twisting the spine, lying down, and/or while coughing. The symptoms may be relieved by walking or applying a heat pack over the rear pelvic region.

Main Causes of Sciatica

Herniated discs are the most common cause of sciatica.

Sciatica is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by an underlying medical condition; it is not a medical diagnosis.

Common medical conditions that may cause sciatica include1:

• A herniated disc
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease , general degenerative changes in vertebrae or discs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Muscle spasms and/or inflammation of the lumbar and/or pelvic muscles
• Sacroiliac dysfunction