07 Nov What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica

pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It’s especially likely to follow a path from the lower back to the buttocks, and then to the back of the thigh and calf.

Sciatica most often occurs when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and, often, numbness in the affected leg. Sciatica can also develop from spondylolisthesis, a condition when a vertebra shifts and results in a pinch of one of the sciatic nerves “nerve roots” as well as piriformis syndrome, a condition where a tight muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can also develop from conditions other than nerve compressions.

Some people experience sciatica as a result of singles, a condition where a virus infects a

nerve.

Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with treatment within a few weeks. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting a long time. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body. People who have severe sciatica and serious leg weakness, numbness and tingling, or bowel or bladder changes might need more urgent medical attention.