Sciatica - Definition and Overview

Sciatica is a pain in the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain generally goes from the front of the thigh to the back of the calf, and may also extend upward to the hip and down to the foot. In addition to pain, there may be numbness and difficulty moving or controlling the leg.

Causes of sciatica

The most common cause of sciatica is a "slipped disc" (a herniated disc in the spine). Other conditions that can cause or aggravate sciatica include roughening and enlarging of the vertebrae, tension in the piriformis muscle, infections, and tumors.

Sciatica may also be experienced in late pregnancy as the result of the uterus pressing on the sciatic nerve.

Treatment

Most cases of sciatica can be effectively treated by physical therapy and appropriate changes in environment (for example cushioning, or chair and desk height). Chiropractic manipulation often helps. In approximately 10-20% of cases, surgery is required to correct the problem. Acupuncture can also treat sciatica, as can auriculotherapy, but these methods of treatment are not without criticism and their efficacy has not been proven as of yet.

Related Topics

• Tension myositis syndrome