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Sciatica
Medical Questions » Sciatica
| Name: Sciatica |
| Also known as: |
| Pain in the back and leg. |
Causes of Sciatica
The pinching of a nerve as it emerges from the spinal cord and passes between two vertebrae in the lower back due to arthritis, ligament strains or disc damage. More sinister diseases (eg. bone cancer) may also be responsible. The sciatic nerve is made from several spinal nerves that join together in the middle of the buttock, at a point where the pain of sciatica is often first felt, then it runs down the back of the thigh and calf to the foot. |
Symptoms of Sciatica
Severe pain that spreads from the lower back to the buttock and then down one or both legs. The pain is felt where the nerve runs, not usually at the point in the back where the nerve is pinched. Shooting pains may be experienced all the way from the back to the foot. |
Tests for Sciatica
X-rays and CT scans of the lower back can usually determine where the nerve is damaged. In difficult cases, an MRI scan or myelogram (X-ray of dye injected into the back) may be performed. |
Treatment for Sciatica
Pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, rest, heat, back braces, steroid or other injections into the back and occasionally surgery.
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Complications of Sciatica of its treatment
Severe nerve damage can cause temporary or eventually permanent paralysis of muscles or a leg. |
Likely Outcome of Sciatica
Most patients can be helped by adequate treatment. |
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