Sciatica
Sciatica is a set of symptoms caused by compression of the five root nerves that connect back to the spine. Compression of the lumbar nerves is the common cause and the pain, at times severe, is to be expected (L4, L5). Other sciatica symptoms include numbness, weakness, tingling feelings, difficulty in moving lower extremities, as well as lower back and leg pain.
What causes it? What are the risk factors?
The sciatic nerve runs down the back and splits off down both legs. This nerve is in control of the lower leg and knee muscles as well as feeling in the bottom of the foot. It also provides sensation to the thigh and lower leg. Common causes of sciatica include slipped discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, injury or fracture and Piriformis syndrome.
Sciatica is fairly common, but it is very important to remember that sciatica is the name of the symptoms- it is not a diagnosis about what is causing the compression. Treatment depends on the cause.
Sciatica is caused by compression on the lumbar nerves or the sacral nerves, a spinal disc herniation, enlarged discs or degenerative disc disease.
spinal disc herniation, enlarged discs or degenerative disc disease. Nerve root compression is one of the most common reasons for sciatica.
