Page 1 Sciatica Does it have other names? Nerve root pain, Lumbar radiculopathy, Lumbar referred pain, Sciatic neuralgia, About: Many nerves branch off from the spinal cord in the lower back and bundle together to form the sciatic nerve in the leg. Sciatica is a general term referring to irritation of any of the nerves forming this bundle. Sciatica can involve pain and ‘nerve symptoms’ in the lower back and down the legs. This most commonly affects the back of the leg sometimes as far down as the foot. Nerve symptoms can include changes in sensation, pins and needles or weakness in the legs. Sciatica is usually caused by irritation of the nerves as they exit the spine. This irritation can be caused by nerve compression (sometimes called a ‘trapped nerve’) or inflammation around the nerve. This inflammation is part of the body’s natural protective system. As the body clears this inflammation the sciatica symptoms usually begin to settle. - In younger individuals the most common cause of sciatic is injury to the intervertebral discs which can then irritate the nerves as they leave the spine.
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Page 1
Sciatica
Does it have other names? Nerve root pain, Lumbar radiculopathy, Lumbar referred
pain, Sciatic neuralgia,
About:
Many nerves branch off from the spinal cord in the lower back and bundle together to form
the sciatic nerve in the leg. Sciatica is a general term referring to irritation of any of the
nerves forming this bundle.
Sciatica can involve pain and
‘nerve symptoms’ in the lower
back and down the legs. This
most commonly affects the back
of the leg sometimes as far down
as the foot. Nerve symptoms can
include changes in sensation, pins
and needles or weakness in the
legs.
Sciatica is usually caused by
irritation of the nerves as they exit
the spine. This irritation can be caused by nerve compression (sometimes called a ‘trapped
nerve’) or inflammation around the nerve. This inflammation is part of the body’s natural
protective system. As the body clears this inflammation the sciatica symptoms usually begin
to settle.
- In younger individuals the most common cause of sciatic is injury to the intervertebral
discs which can then irritate the nerves as they leave the spine.
Page 2
- In older individuals the tissues around the spine gradually thicken and stiffen. This is
part of normal ageing. However, in some people these changes can irritate the nerves
as they leave the spine.
Research shows multiple factors can contribute to experiencing sciatica. These include:
Being unfit
Being overweight
Smoking
Depression and emotional distress can trigger or increase sciatic pain for some
people. This is because emotions, beliefs and worries can affect how we feel pain.
In the early stages of a sciatica ‘flare up’ many people will experience moderate-severe pain
in their leg and/or back. For most people, sciatica will settle on its own over time without any
need for specific treatment. This will most often occur within a period of 6-16 weeks.
However, because nerves can be very some people may have some symptoms for a
number of months.
Management:
Sciatica is a common condition. It is rarely dangerous or serious (unless combined with
symptoms outlined under CES). Your spine will remain resilient and strong even if it may not
feel that way when you are in pain.
back pain myths link
10 facts back pain link.
Medication and therapies can help but there is not usually a ‘quick fix’, especially in the
short term. During the early stages evidence shows that: