Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Sciatica?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the lower back and the leg. Experienced when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, sciatica leads to pain that is typically felt on just one side of the body. Besides discomfort, sciatica is known to cause numbness in the affected regions of the body, as well as trouble with controlling the leg.

When a person has sciatica, pain radiates from the lower back down to the thigh, extending downward to the back of the calf. In some cases, pain from sciatica flows upward as well, affecting the hip, and back down toward the foot. For many affected individuals, the pain is enough to impair the performance of everyday tasks.

The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back.
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back.

As the largest nerve in the human body, the sciatic nerve has great range, extending from the lumbar spinal cord down through the leg. Frequently, this nerve becomes irritated due to pressure caused by a herniated disc. Symptoms can be caused by anything that inflames or irritates the sciatic nerve. Such irritation can come from internal bleeding and infections, as well as pressure from bones in the region. Injuries and muscle spasms may also lead to sciatica.

MRIs may be used to diagnose sciatica.
MRIs may be used to diagnose sciatica.

This condition is fairly common during pregnancy. In the final months of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus may exert pressure on the sciatic nerve. Changes in posture may lead to pregnancy–related sciatic as well. In some cases, muscular tension, commonly experienced during late pregnancy, may be enough to trigger a bout of sciatica.

A diagnosis simply recognizes the symptoms that are present. It does not specifically address what is causing the painful condition. In order for a diagnosis to be complete, it must uncover the cause of the irritation to the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is a common complaint among pregnant women.
Sciatica is a common complaint among pregnant women.

To diagnose it, a physician typically performs a medical examination and learns the patient’s medical history. X-rays, computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used in diagnosis, as well. Proper diagnosis is very important, as treatment may be incomplete or unsuccessful if the causes of irritation to the sciatic nerve are not discovered.

The sciatic nerve can become irritated by a herniated disc in the spine.
The sciatic nerve can become irritated by a herniated disc in the spine.

Treatments vary, depending on the cause of the nerve compression. They can include anti-inflammatory and pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery to relieve sciatic compression. Chiropractic manipulation and steroidal injections may be used as well.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I had to get a steroid injection for sciatica recently. I wasn't too happy about it but my doctor felt that it was necessary. Now I'm glad that I had the injection because it has made a huge difference. It took over a week to experience the full effects, but once it kicked in, it worked very quickly. My sciatica pain just disappeared.

As far as I know, sciatica relief from steroid injections can last anywhere from six months to two years. I just hope I won't need an injection again.

fBoyle

@SarahGen-- Yes, it can happen. Have you seen a doctor? Numbness and tingling in the legs and feet are symptoms of sciatica. But you need medical testing to figure out the underlying cause. Sciatica problems occur due to a pinched nerve, but like the article said, a hernia or an injury may be responsible as well.

I had sciatica symptoms last month due to a muscle spasm. It was quite painful. I had numbness and pain in my left leg for several weeks. Muscle relaxants and pain relievers helped me get through it.

SarahGen

Can sciatica symptoms affect both legs? I have numbness and tingling in both of my legs.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back.
      By: underdogstudios
      The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back.
    • MRIs may be used to diagnose sciatica.
      By: Mikhail Kondrashov
      MRIs may be used to diagnose sciatica.
    • Sciatica is a common complaint among pregnant women.
      By: kamonrat
      Sciatica is a common complaint among pregnant women.
    • The sciatic nerve can become irritated by a herniated disc in the spine.
      By: rob3000
      The sciatic nerve can become irritated by a herniated disc in the spine.
    • Some types of exercises may be performed to relieve the pain associated with a pinched sciatic nerve.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Some types of exercises may be performed to relieve the pain associated with a pinched sciatic nerve.
    • If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
      By: rob3000
      If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
    • A physical therapist can help treat hip pain caused by sciatica.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A physical therapist can help treat hip pain caused by sciatica.
    • Sciatic pain may be experienced at the back of the legs.
      By: Irena Misevic
      Sciatic pain may be experienced at the back of the legs.