Sciatica

Pain that begins in the lower back and radiates downward through the buttocks and legs often signals a condition known as Sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not characterized as an injury or disease, but rather as a symtom in which patients will experience pain down their leg. It is associated with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower lumbar spine and passes through the buttocks down the back of each leg to your toes. Your sciatic nerve is responsible for controlling many muscles in the leg. Sciatica can occur when the sciatic nerve is compressed.

What are the causes of sciatic nerve compression?

Patients with a herniated disc in the back are likely to develop this condition due to the disc compressing the nerve. Patients with existing chronic back pain, patients who smoke, are overweight, or patients who are sedentary are at an increased risk for sciatica.

How is Sciatica treated?

Physical therapy and medication are often used to improve the pain caused by Sciatica. In severe cases, surgical removal of the disc causing the compression may be necessary to relieve pain. However, most cases do not require surgical solutions.