Sciatica

Description

Refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. It is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, not a diagnosis in itself.

Common Symptoms

• Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
• Pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain

Common Causes

• Most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve.

Treatment Information