What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.

What causes Sciatica?

The most common cause of Sciatica is a bulging or ruptured disc (Herniated Disc) in the spine pressing against the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. However, sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bone spurs (small, bony growths that form along joints) caused by arthritis, or nerve root compression (pinched nerve) caused by injury. In rare cases, Sciatica can also be caused by conditions that do not involve the spine, such as tumors or pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Sciatica include pain that begins in your back or buttocks and moves down your leg and may move into your foot. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.

• Sitting, standing for a long time, and movements that cause the spine to flex (such as knee-to-chest exercises) may make symptoms worse.
• Walking, lying down, and movements that extend the spine (such as shoulder lifts) may relieve symptoms.

How is Sciatica diagnosed?

Sciatica is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. Your health professional will ask you questions about your symptoms. Although your doctor may be able to tell that you have Sciatica just by asking you these questions, sometimes X-rays and tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

How is it treated?

In many cases, Sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. You can help relieve pain by:

• Putting ice or a cold pack on the middle of the lower back.
• Avoiding sitting (unless it is more comfortable than standing).
• Alternating lying down with short walks. Increase your walking distance as you are able to without pain.
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).

Additional treatment for Sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your health professional may suggest physical therapy, injections of medicines such as steroids, or even surgery for severe cases.