www.suburbanortho.
com
Sciatica
Sciatica describes an irritation
of the sciatic nerve, which is
the largest single nerve in the
human body. The sciatic
nerve begins from several
nerves in the lower lumbar
vertebrae and the sacrum at
the bottom of the spine.
These nerves combine to form
the sciatic nerve, which travel
through the buttocks and
down each leg. Sciatic nerve
irritation can result from
compression of the sciatic
nerve roots or from
inflammation.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2012, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Suburban Orthopedics • 1110 W. Schick Road • Bartlett, Illinois 60103 • (630) 372-1100
www.suburbanortho.com
Introduction
Sciatica describes an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the
largest single nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve begins
from several nerves in the lower lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum
at the bottom of the spine. These nerves combine to form the
sciatic nerve, which travel through the buttocks and down each
leg. Sciatic nerve irritation can result from compression of the
sciatic nerve roots or from inflammation.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of sciatic nerve irritation is pain felt in the
lower back or buttocks that travels down one leg, frequently to the
foot. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain
and may sometimes feel like an electric jolt traveling down the leg.
Muscular weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation down the
leg and into the foot may also be symptoms. Pain in the leg is
usually worse when sitting.
Causes
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of conditions that cause
inflammation or pressure on the nerve roots connected to the
sciatic nerve. The most frequent cause of sciatica is the
degeneration and rupture of a lumbar disc due to the normal aging
process. The ruptured disc may herniate and push against a
nerve, causing pain in the low back, leg, or both. Occasionally,
trauma or an episode of heavy lifting causes sudden rupture of the
disc and symptoms. Sudden twisting, such as when golfing, can
also cause herniations.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2012, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Suburban Orthopedics • 1110 W. Schick Road • Bartlett, Illinois 60103 • (630) 372-1100
www.suburbanortho.com
Summary
If symptoms include loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical
attention immediately. Minor sciatica will often disappear over time
and it is rare for permanent nerve damage to result. If symptoms
persist and worsen, or if they arise after a sudden injury, treatment
may be necessary. Non-surgical treatments include controlling
sources of inflammation and pressure, as well as physical therapy.
Surgery is performed for those whose symptoms do not improve.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2012, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Suburban Orthopedics • 1110 W. Schick Road • Bartlett, Illinois 60103 • (630) 372-1100
