What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, and sciatica occurs when the nerve becomes irritated or compressed.

Common causes of sciatica include:

- Herniated or bulging discs in the spine: These can press on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and inflammation.

- Spinal stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, including the sciatic nerve.

- Degenerative disc disease: This age-related condition causes the discs between the vertebrae in the spine to deteriorate and lose their cushioning ability, which can lead to sciatic nerve compression.

- Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where a vertebra slips out of place, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

- Pregnancy: The changes in the body during pregnancy, such as weight gain and hormonal shifts, can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Symptoms of sciatica typically include:

- Pain that starts in the lower back and extends into the buttocks and down the back of one leg.

- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain.

- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg.

- Difficulty walking or standing.

Treatment for sciatica typically involves conservative measures such as rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. If these do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary in severe cases.