Sciatica
Sciatica is the lower back pain that results in pain down the leg. The pain is triggered due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic pain radiates from the lower back to the buttocks and then deep down the leg.
Sciatica Symptoms
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain in the back of the leg elevate on sitting
- Pain in Hip
- Numbness or altered sensation down the leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Difficulty walking
Common Causes of sciatica
Around 90% of the sciatic pain is a result of the herniated disc. Herniated disc causes the compression of the spinal nerve root that produces the sciatic nerve pain. Sciatic nerve pain originates from a herniated disc in the below mentioned ways:
- Direct compression of the nerve.
- Leakage of chemical irritant from the herniated disc that results in inflammation in the area that surrounds the sciatic nerves.
- Constriction of a single side in nerves produces symptoms in one leg, however, constriction in both the sides affects both legs.
Risk Factors
Risk factors associated with sciatica include:
- Injury
- Heavy physical jobs
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Underlying degenerative conditions
Complications
Large disc bulges can result in numbness or weakness of the muscles. In rare cases, a large disc bulge can cause compression onto several nerves in the low back. This devastating condition called cauda equina syndrome results in numbness, weakness and pain in both legs. It can also affect the nerves that control the bowel and bladder. If these nerves are permanently damaged, it results in a complete loss of control of these organs.