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Sciatica

Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.

Causes

The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or ruptured disc (herniated disc) in the spine pressing against the sciatic nerve. However, sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bone spurs (small, bony growths that form along joints) caused by arthritis, or nerve root compression (pinched nerve) caused by injury. In rare cases, sciatica can also be caused by conditions that do not involve the spine, such as tumors or pregnancy.

Treatment

In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medications and exercises to relieve pain. You can help relieve pain by:

• Putting ice or a cold pack on the middle of the lower back
• Avoiding sitting (unless it is more comfortable than standing)
• Alternating lying down with short walks.
• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).

Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your health professional may suggest physical therapy, injections of medications such as steroids, or even surgery in severe cases.

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