Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock, and travels down the leg. Show
Sciatica is nerve pain that originates in the lower back and radiates down the buttock to the thigh and leg on one side. The pain may be accompanied by numbness and/or weakness. Watch: Sciatica Overview Video Infographic: Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (larger view) Save Reference: Sciatica Overview What Does Sciatica Feel Like?The symptoms of sciatica are commonly felt along the path of the large sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following features:
See Types of Sciatic Nerve Pain It is important to note that any type of lower back pain or radiating leg pain is not sciatica. Sciatica is specific to pain that originates from the sciatic nerve.1 See Understanding Sciatica Symptoms: Pins and Needles, Numbness, Icy, and Burning advertisement Sciatica Is the Symptom of an Underlying Medical ConditionSciatica is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by an underlying medical condition; it is not a medical diagnosis.2 Common medical conditions that may cause sciatica include1:
Rarely, tumors, blood clots, or other conditions in the lower spine may cause sciatica. Read more about Spinal Tumors In addition to the terms that identify the underlying pathologies that cause sciatica, the terms lumbar radiculopathy or radicular pain may be used interchangeably with the term sciatica. In This Article:
The Sciatic Nerve and SciaticaSciatic Nerve and Sciatica SaveThe sciatic nerve is formed by the merging of spinal nerve roots from L4 to S3. These nerve roots converge into a single, large sciatic nerve. Read Sciatic Nerve and Sciatica The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body and is formed by the union of 5 nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral spine. There are 2 sciatic nerves in the body—the right and left nerves, supplying the corresponding lower limb. See Lumbar Spine Anatomy and Pain A few anatomical characteristics of the sciatic nerve include:
Watch Sciatic Nerve Anatomy Video Rarely, the sciatic nerve may split into 2 nerves near the sciatic foramen, which merge again into a single nerve.3 See Sciatic Nerve Anatomy The specific sciatica symptoms largely depend on the nerve root that is pinched.3 For example, an L5 nerve impingement can cause pain in the back of the thigh and weakness in lifting the big toe and the ankle.4 The Course of SciaticaOften, a particular event or injury does not cause sciatica—rather it tends to develop over time. Sciatica affects 10% to 40% of the population, typically around the age of 40 years.1 Sciatica is found to be common in certain types of occupation where physically strenuous positions are used, such as machine operators or truck drivers. Specifically, people who often bend their spine forward or sideways or raise their arms frequently above the shoulder level may be at risk of sciatica.1,5 The vast majority of people who experience sciatica typically get better within 4 to 6 weeks with nonsurgical sciatica treatments.1 If severe neurological deficits are present, recovery may take longer. An estimated 33% of people, however, may have persistent symptoms up to 1 year.6 When severe nerve compression is present with progressive symptoms, surgery may be indicated. advertisement When Sciatica Is SeriousCertain symptoms of sciatica may indicate a serious medical condition, such as cauda equina syndrome, infection, or spinal tumors. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
It is advised to seek medical attention immediately if such symptoms develop. Sciatica that occurs after an accident or trauma, or if it develops in tandem with other symptoms like fever or loss of appetite, is also cause for prompt medical evaluation. How do you relieve sciatic nerve pain?Lifestyle and home remedies. Cold packs. Place a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. ... . Hot packs. After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. ... . Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. ... . Medications.. How long does it take for sciatica to go away?Sciatica is where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.
What triggers sciatica?Normal, day-to-day activities—actions like lifting heavy weights, twisting the spine too quickly, poor sleeping positions, and even sneezing—can trigger spinal irritation and sciatica.
Does sciatica go away on its own?Sciatica usually resolves on its own without treatment within a month or two. However, that doesn't mean it's gone for good. If you don't resolve the underlying condition that caused sciatica, it may recur and even develop into a chronic pain condition.
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