Sciatic
Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain going down the leg from the lower back.[1] This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg.[1] Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, though gradual onset may also occur.[1] The pain is often described as shooting.[1] Typically, symptoms are only on one side of the body.[1] Certain causes, however, may result in pain on both sides.[1] Lower back pain is sometimes present.[1] Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.[1]
Causes[edit | edit source]
About 90% of the time sciatica is due to a spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots.[1] Other problems that may result in sciatica include spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic tumors, and compression by a baby's head during pregnancy.[1] The straight-leg-raising test is often helpful in diagnosis.[1] The test is positive if, when the leg is raised while a person is lying on their back, pain shoots below the knee.[1]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
In most cases, the condition is resolved within six weeks, but some cases may require further treatment.[1] Treatment options include physical therapy, painkillers, injections of corticosteroids, and surgery.[1] Surgery may be required if complications occur such as bowel or bladder problems.[1] Most of the time, however, no specific cause can be identified.[1] Occasionally, the condition may return.[1]
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Sciatica affects about 10% of people at some point in their lives.[1] It is most common during people's 40s and 50s, and men are more frequently affected than women.[1]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
| Sciatic Resources | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
