Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg.
It typically occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compresses part of the nerve, causing inflammation, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the lower back into the leg.
The most common levels involved are L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots, each affecting specific dermatomes and myotomes in the leg and foot.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
In a healthy spine, the intervertebral discs maintain proper hydration and height, with intact annulus fibrosus rings protecting the nucleus pulposus.
The spinal canal and intervertebral foramina are spacious enough to allow the nerve roots to exit without compression.
The sciatic nerve, formed from L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerve roots, passes freely through the pelvis and under the piriformis muscle without impingement.
Each nerve root innervates specific dermatomes (sensory zones) and myotomes (muscle groups).
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Disc Herniation - nucleus pulposus material protrudes through a torn annulus fibrosus, compressing adjacent nerve roots at L
Foraminal Stenosis - narrowing of the intervertebral foramen due to disc bulge, bone spurs, or facet joint hypertrophy compresses exiting nerve roots; (
Central Canal Stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal compresses multiple nerve roots; (
Spondylolisthesis - forward slippage of one vertebra over another narrows the nerve passage; (
Piriformis Syndrome - the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve in the buttock region; (
Nerve Root Inflammation - chemical irritation from inflammatory mediators from damaged discs; (
Radiculopathy - nerve root dysfunction causing sensory loss, weakness, and reflex changes along specific dermatomes and myotomes corresponding to the affected level
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.