Sciatica Info
December 29th, 2011
Sciatica: What Patients Should KnowSciatica describes pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body; it runs from each side of the lower spine through deep muscles in the buttock and back of the thigh, and all the way down to the foot.The pain can be severe for some, for others it is infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body, often radiating from the lower back down through the buttock and down the leg. Depending on which part of the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend into the foot or toes.The most common causes of sciatica are usually pressure on the sciatic nerve from a disc protrusion or extrusion (also referred to as a herniated\/ruptured disc, pinched nerve, slipped disk, etc.), degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. The problem is diagnosed as a “radiculopathy”, meaning there is pressure or irritation on the radicular nerve (nerve root).Sciatica Symptoms Any of the following sensations may occur with sciatica:Pain, burning, or tingling down the leg and possibly into the footWeakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or footA constant pain on one side of the buttocksA shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up or stand up straightPain in the buttock or leg that is worse when sitting
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