What Is Sciatica? What Causes Sciatica?
Editor's ChoiceMain Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 18 Sep 2009 - 0:00 PDT
| Patient / Public: | ![]() |
4.29 (35 votes) |
| Healthcare Prof: | ![]() |
4 (6 votes) |
| Article Opinions: | 2 posts |
Sciatica (pronounced sai-AT-ti-ka) is the name given to any pain stemming from the irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe; usually, from a compressed nerve root in the lumbar (lower) spine. Often, the term "sciatica" is confused with general back pain. However, sciatica is not just limited to the back.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee. This nerve controls several muscles in the lower legs and allows that area to be sensitive to touch.
Sciatica is not, in fact, a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve.
According to MediLexicon's medical dictionary, sciatica means "Pain in the lower back and hip radiating down the back of the thigh into the leg, initially attributed to sciatic nerve dysfunction (hence the term), but now known to usually be due to herniated lumbar disk compressing a nerve root, most commonly the [5th lumbar vertebra] or [1st sacral vertebra] root."
There are two types of sciatica
- Acute sciatica (short-term)
Acute sciatica does not typically require professional treatment; symptoms can be significantly reduced with the use of accessible over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers combined with hot and cold packs and exercise. - Chronic sciatica (long-term)
Chronic sciatica, on the other hand may require physical therapy (UK: physiotherapy), which may include exercise, applied heat, and other techniques. In rare cases surgery may be required.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is a common symptom of several different medical conditions, the most pervasive being a herniated (slipped) disc.The spinal column is made up of three parts:
- Vertebrae (individual bones in the spine that protect underlying nerves)
- Nerves
- Discs
Other causes of sciatica include:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spinal cord (a channel within the vertebrae that contains the nerves) in the lower back that may compress the sciatic nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis - a condition in which a disc may slip forward over the vertebra below it, pinching the sciatic nerve.
- Tumors within the spine may compress the root of the sciatic nerve.
- Infection within the spine.
- Injury within the spine.
- Cauda equina syndrome - a rare, but serious condition that affects the nerves on the lower part of the spinal cord; it requires immediate medical attention. Cauda equina syndrome may permanently damage the nervous system and even lead to paralysis.
What are the risk factors for sciatica?
A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking raises the risk of developing many cancers - therefore, smoking is a risk factor for cancer.- Age - due to the deterioration of discs, people in their 30s and 40s have a higher risk of developing sciatica.
- Profession - jobs that require lifting heavy loads for long periods.
- Sedentary lifestyle - people who sit for long periods and are physically inactive are more likely to develop sciatica, compared to physically active individuals.
What are the signs and symptoms of sciatica?
The main symptom of sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve; from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of either leg (usually only one leg is affected). This pain can range from mild soreness to a sharp pain or severe discomfort, and may be aggravated if you sit for long periods.Other common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Numbness in the leg along the nerve; occasionally, this numbness in one part of the leg may be accompanied by pain in a different part of the leg.
- Tingling sensation (pins and needles) in the feet and toes.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
If the symptoms of sciatica are mild and do not last longer than four to eight weeks, you are probably experiencing acute sciatica and medical attention is not usually necessary as it tends to resolve itself.A complete medical history may help speed up the diagnosis. Doctors will also have you perform basic exercises (paying close attention to the legs) that stretch the sciatic nerve. A shooting pain down the leg while performing these exercises usually indicates sciatica.
If pain persists for more than four to eight weeks, imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI may be necessary to help identify what is compressing the sciatic nerve and causing your symptoms.
What are the treatment options for sciatica?
Most cases of acute sciatica respond well to self-care measures, which may include:- Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers - relieve symptoms of pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, are recommended. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) is recommended for extended use. Not all painkillers are suitable for every patient; be sure to review options with your doctor.
- Exercises such as walking or light stretching.
- Hot or cold compression packs help to reduce pain. It is often helpful to alternate between the two.
- Prescription painkillers - Amitriptyline, gabapentin, codeine (a mild opiate-based painkiller), which is often prescribed in combination with paracetamol, and if sciatica symptoms are severe, diazepam.
- Physical therapy - can teach you exercises to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility, and how to prevent strain on your back.
- Chiropractic treatment - can maneuver the spine to alleviate pressure on the nerves, consequently relieving pain
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - helps manage chronic pain by training people to react differently to their pain
- Surgery may be an option if symptoms have not responded to other treatments and continue to intensify. Some options include:
- Lumbar laminectomy - widening of the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure on the nerves.
- Discectomy - partial or entire removal of a herniated disc.
Depending on the cause of your sciatica, a surgeon will go over the risks and benefits of surgery and be able to suggest a suitable surgical option.
How can sciatica be prevented?
In some cases sciatica cannot be prevented. However, there are several lifestyle changes that can reduce the chances of developing it, including:- Regular exercise - focus on strengthening core muscles (in the abdomen and lower back) necessary for proper posture.
- Proper posture - standing and sitting upright, lifting objects correctly, and selecting a mattress and pillow that support the spine.
Original article date: 24 April 2004
Article updated: 18 September 2009
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
MLA
13 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619.php>
APA
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619.php.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
|
Rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) |
Patient / Public: |
or |
Health Professional: |
Visitor Opinions In Chronological Order (2)
I never had pain in my lower back
posted by Jane on 12 May 2004 at 11:44 pmFor the past five months or so, I've had a knawing pain in my right buttocks starting about five inches below my waist all the way below my right thigh.
The pain has never been in my back at all. It's getting worse by the day now. Is it a pinched nerve and how to get rid of the pain and treat it is my question.
3 laminectomies
posted by Dienie on 20 Nov 2011 at 10:11 pmI have had 3 laminectomies so far, and the last was in 2005.I am 62.I try not to sit for too long periods but have taken on a mornings only job again, and all of a sudden, I am experiencing this pain in my right upper thigh. When getting up in the morning is the worst-I actually limp my way down to the kitchen! I started taking Flexocam this morning and will monitor this carefully. Would not like to go for surgery if I can prevent it. I found the article very interesting.
Add Your Opinion
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
![]()
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.





