Sciatica
Pain running from lower back and down the back of the leg.
Sciatica refers to symptoms rather than a specific condition. In fact, sciatica is usually a symptom of another condition, such as a herniated disc or another spine issue.
The sciatic nerve itself contains branches of the L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3 spinal nerves. Statistically this is most likely caused by problems with the L3-4, L4-5 or L5-S1 discs.
It’s most commonly characterized by pain that is felt along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg.
Sciatica pain is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by a variety of conditions, such as:
- Herniated discs
- Annular tears
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of sciatica can vary from mild to severe, but they include:
- Pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg.
- Sharp, shooting, burning, or throbbing pain felt on the affected side of the body.
- Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles in the leg or foot.
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
- Pain that is exacerbated by anything that increases pressure on the sciatic nerve or related spinal discs such as sitting for prolonged periods, coughing, sneezing, or bending forward.
Treatment Options
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Sciatica pain is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by a variety of conditions, such as:
- Herniated discs
- Annular tears
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of sciatica can vary from mild to severe, but they include:
- Pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg.
- Sharp, shooting, burning, or throbbing pain felt on the affected side of the body.
- Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles in the leg or foot.
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
- Pain that is exacerbated by anything that increases pressure on the sciatic nerve or related spinal discs such as sitting for prolonged periods, coughing, sneezing, or bending forward.
