The Truth About Sciatica
Learn the essential medical facts about the causes and specific symptoms of 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.
Learn the essential medical facts about the causes and specific symptoms of sciatica.
Sciatica occurs when specific nerve roots in the lower back are inflamed, irritated, and/or mechanically compressed. Certain causes of sciatica may also have a genetic origin.
Sciatica may cause different types of pain in the thigh, leg, and foot. The pain may be accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and/or other altered sensations in the affected regions.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve and causes pain along the back of the leg and foot.
The signs and symptoms of certain serious medical conditions may mimic sciatica. If left untreated, it may lead to complications, which can be life-threatening.