Sciatica

Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travel down the low back via the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. Sciatica (sometimes known as radiculopathy) is a description of symptoms, not a diagnosis. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis can all cause sciatica.

Posterior view of the lower body showing sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle

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Sciatic Nerve and Sciatica

A number of physical, chemical, and mechanical factors can affect the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.

Lumbar herniated disc compressing a sciatic nerve root.

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Sciatica Causes

Learn the six most common sciatica causes and the conditions responsible for sciatica pain. When discussing sciatica it is important to understand the underlying medical cause of the sciatica symptoms.

Posterior view of the pelvis showing sciatic pain traveling down the left leg.

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Sciatica First Aid

Treatment for acute sciatica symptoms may be done at home and typically do not require a doctor’s prescription. Learn about the medications, massages, and other techniques to relieve sciatic nerve pain.

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Sciatica Surgery

Explore sciatica surgery options for sciatica and sciatic nerve pain, including microdiscectomy and lumbar laminectomy.

Posterior view of the lower body showing sciatica pain in the legs.

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Sciatica Symptoms

The symptoms of sciatica usually affects only one leg at a time. Typical symptoms include a burning sensation or sharp pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the affected leg.

Posterior view of the whole body with sciatica in the left leg.

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Sciatica Treatment

Explore sciatica treatment options to help relieve or alleviate sciatica pain, including non-surgical methods, pain medications and sciatica surgery.

Cauda Equina Syndrome in the lumbar spine

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Spinal Cord Conditions with Sciatica Symptoms

Medical emergencies can arise when the spinal cord and/or the cauda equina are injured. The symptoms can mimic sciatica and may lead to lower limb dysfunction if left untreated.

Diagram showing a metastatic tumor in the spinal column

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Spinal Tumors and Sciatica Symptoms

Tumors that originate within the spinal cord and its surrounding tissues may cause sciatica-like symptoms and signs.

Highlighting the pain area of piriformis syndrome in the lower back, buttocks and hip area

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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome

Learn the typical piriformis syndrome symptoms and how piriformis syndrome is diagnosed.

Posterior view of the pelvis labeling piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve.

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The Essentials of Sciatic Nerve Pain Patterns

The structure and composition of the sciatic nerve is made of smaller elements that help conduct sensory and motor impulses to the lower part of the body.