Definition:
Sciatica is a painful condition due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve that branches off and continues down to the thighs, legs, feet, and ankles.
Diagnosis:
The physician will recommend a series of clinical examinations in order to diagnose sciatica. MR neurography may help in the diagnosis of sciatica.
Treatment:
Treatment for sciatica will depend on the underlying symptoms that are present.
Symptoms and Signs:
Individuals with Sciatica often suffer the following symptoms:
* Severe pain arising from the back down to the buttocks and down to the back of the legs.
* Numbness
* Muscular weakness
* Impediment of movement or control of the leg
Causes:
Generally, sciatica is caused by lumbar and sacral nerve compression. In less common causes, sciatica may be caused by compression of the sciatic nerve itself. However, there are also a number of cases in which sciatica is caused by a different factor or medical condition like the following:
* Spinal disc herniation, which means pressing on one of the sciatic nerve roots.
* Spinal stenosis, which is a condition wherein the spinal canal narrows and causes spinal cord compression.
* Piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular condition wherein the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle.
* Sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to unhealthy postural habits and insufficient exercise leads to both vertebral and soft tissue problems.
* Trigger points caused by low blood flow because of injury or chronic muscular contraction.
* In some cases, sciatica can also occur during late pregnancy because the uterus presses on the sciatic nerve and other conditions brought about by pregnancy.
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