Sciatic

Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain going down the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, though gradual onset may also occur. The pain is often described as shooting. Typically, symptoms are only on one side of the body. Certain causes, however, may result in pain on both sides. Lower back pain is sometimes present. Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.

Causes

About 90% of the time sciatica is due to a spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots. Other problems that may result in sciatica include spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic tumors, and compression by a baby's head during pregnancy. The straight-leg-raising test is often helpful in diagnosis. The test is positive if, when the leg is raised while a person is lying on their back, pain shoots below the knee.

Treatment

In most cases, the condition is resolved within six weeks, but some cases may require further treatment. Treatment options include physical therapy, painkillers, injections of corticosteroids, and surgery. Surgery may be required if complications occur such as bowel or bladder problems. Most of the time, however, no specific cause can be identified. Occasionally, the condition may return.

Epidemiology

Sciatica affects about 10% of people at some point in their lives. It is most common during people's 40s and 50s, and men are more frequently affected than women.

See also

• Spinal disc herniation
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Sciatica

Sciatic Resources
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