Sciatica is a term that describes symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, legs, and feet. It is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and largest nerve in the body. Sciatica can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, including:
- Herniated disk: A herniated disk occurs when the soft, rubbery center of a spinal disk bulges out and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.
- Degenerative disk disease: As we age, the disks in our spine can dry out and shrink, leading to pressure on the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebral body slips forward on another, putting pressure on the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.
Treatment for sciatica typically begins with conservative measures, such as pain medication, physical therapy, and exercise. If these measures are not effective, more invasive treatments such as cortisone injections or surgery may be recommended. It's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Sciatica starts in the back. However, occasionally, pain may start at the hip or knee; which may not look like sciatica. You may feel isolated symptoms like feet numbness, knee pain, buttock pain, tingling, etc. After prolonged sitting, when the person gets up, they tend to hunch forward.
Mostly, the condition starts as back pain and when the nerve gets compressed more, and if the back pain is left untreated then it can progress to sciatica.
Mostly, the condition starts as back pain and when the nerve gets compressed more, and if the back pain is left untreated then it can progress to sciatica.
Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative disc disease: As the spinal discs naturally degenerate with age, they can become more susceptible to herniation, causing sciatica.
Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
Spinal tumors: Tumors in the spine can compress the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.
Piriformis syndrome: This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebral body slips forward on the one below it, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative disc disease: As the spinal discs naturally degenerate with age, they can become more susceptible to herniation, causing sciatica.
Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
Spinal tumors: Tumors in the spine can compress the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.
Piriformis syndrome: This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebral body slips forward on the one below it, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Physical examination
Neurological examination
Assessment for muscle strength, decreased or abnormal sensation and reflexes
Nerve tests
DSA (Digital Spine Analysis)
X-ray
CT Scan
MRI
Neurological examination
Assessment for muscle strength, decreased or abnormal sensation and reflexes
Nerve tests
DSA (Digital Spine Analysis)
X-ray
CT Scan
MRI