Sciatica is commonly defined as a radiating pain and numbness in the lower back, buttock, hip and thigh extending to the lower leg. It is actually a description of symptoms and not a single condition. Symptoms are caused by pressure on one or more of the lumbar nerves resulting in pain or numbness all along the sciatic nerve.
Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is the widest and longest nerve and travels from the lower spine through the pelvis and buttocks down each leg. Disorders that damage, pinch or put pressure on the sciatic nerve include disc herniation or bulging, spinal stenosis or narrowing, muscles spasms and damage, degenerative disc disease,osteoporosis, spinal arthritis, tumors and other abnormalities of the vertebral column.
Sciatica may also be caused by direct damage to the nerves by inflammation or lesions. The onset of sciatica includes several typical signs such as pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.
A Pinched or Inflamed Nerve Can Cause Pain
Pressure, inflammation or a pinched nerve can cause pain along the entire sciatica nerve. Pain that is often described as radiating may begin suddenly. Symptoms in the lower back, buttocks, hips, thighs and legs or occur more gradually. Sciatic nerve pain can be severe and cause a debilitating loss of function and movement.
Pain due to sciatica can vary widely at different times and in different individuals and include sensations of tingling, burning, a dull ache or a sharp, radiating pain. Sciatic nerve pain often worsens at night, when sneezing, coughing or laughing, after standing or sitting for long durations and walking. Sciatica pain may occur in only one leg or side and spreads to the buttocks and down the legs.
Muscle Weakness and Numbness Are Characteristic Symptoms of Sciatica
Loss of sensation or numbness due to sciatica may range from a tingling sensation to numbness or weakness in the lower back, hips, buttocks and the back of the thighs and legs. The branches of the sciatic nerve are responsible for motor control and sensory functions of the legs and feet. Therefore, sciatic nerve damage can cause muscle weakness and loss of nerve control and coordination problems that make it difficult to walk or move the leg or foot.
Inflammation or damage to the sciatic nerve can increase symptoms of pain, numbness and discomfort in the lower back. Back pain in sciatica often worsens by sitting or laying down for long durations as this compresses the nerve further. The pain may radiate from the lower back to the buttocks, hips and legs.
Reference:
The Mayo Clinic: Sciatica (Accessed June 29th, 2010)
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
