What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sciatic Neuritis

What is Sciatica? (Definition/Background Information)

• The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body. It starts from the lower back, runs through the buttock and extends down the leg
• Sciatica is a medical term that is used to indicate radiating pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, commonly caused by a herniated disc or abnormal bone growth (bone spur) on the spine, which may lead to compression of the nerve roots
• The signs and symptoms of Sciatica may include radiating pain in the lower back that extends down the back of the leg, muscle weakness, and numbness or tingling sensation in the leg
• The prognosis of Sciatica is usually excellent. The majority of individuals may find improvement in their condition with conservative treatment, such as rest and exercise

Who gets Sciatica? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sciatica usually occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Sciatica? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors associated with Sciatica include:

• Advancing age
• Excess body weight, which may abnormally increase pressure on the joints
• Having an immediate family member or relative with a history of spine abnormalities. Certain studies have indicated that Sciatica may have a genetic basis
• Certain occupations that require individuals to frequently lift heavy objects or drive motor vehicles for prolonged periods
• Individuals who sit for prolonged periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop Sciatica than individuals who are generally physically active
• Diabetes, which increases the risk for nerve damage
• Smoking habit

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sciatica? (Etiology)

An injury to the sciatic nerve leading to nerve irritation or pain causes Sciatica. This may occur as a result of the following conditions:

• Herniated disc, which compresses the nerves in the back
• Abnormal bone growth that can develop on the surface of bones (bone spurs)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica?

The common signs and symptoms associated with Sciatica may include:

• Radiating pain in the lower back
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the leg

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

The methods that may aid in the diagnosis of Sciatica and identifying the exact cause include:

• Complete physical examination of the back with evaluation of personal and family medical history
• An assessment of signs and symptoms
• Spinal X-ray: X-rays are useful in ruling out other possible causes that have related symptoms
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the spine: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to generate images of interior bones and soft tissues. An MRI can help identify which nerve roots are affected
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG shows the electrical activity of the muscle during rest and during contraction. Examining the electrical activity can confirm nerve compression caused by a herniated disk or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• CT myelogram: A CT myelogram is a specialized diagnostic imaging procedure in which a dye is injected into the surrounding areas of the spinal cord, to study the region. Additionally, X-rays or CT scan images may be necessary for a healthcare professional detect any associated spinal abnormalities

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sciatica?

The potential complications from Sciatica include:

• Severe pain in the back and leg
• Chronic weakness in the affected leg
• Loss of bladder/bowel function
• Partial to complete loss of feeling in the affected leg
• Progression to chronic Sciatica
• Recurrence of the condition after recovery
• Complications may arise from the underlying condition, if any

How is Sciatica Treated?

The treatment options for Sciatica may include the following:

• Conservative home-care treatment measures: If such treatments do not improve signs and symptoms, a healthcare professional may suggest the additional treatments
• Medications prescribed to manage symptoms:
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling
  • Individuals, who experience muscle spasms may be prescribed certain muscle relaxant medications, such as diazepam or cyclobenzaprine, which may relieve pain in the back
  • Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, to help relieve pain
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Anti-seizure drugs, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, are commonly used to decrease pain that is the direct result of damaged nerves
• Corticosteroid injections into the epidural space help in temporary relieving symptoms, such as pain, and in improving range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief and prolonged episodes of such injection may injure the joints in the long run
• Once the pain in the back improves, a healthcare professional may design a rehabilitation program to help prevent future injuries

If the above treatments are unsuccessful, surgery to treat compressed nerves may be recommended. A common decompression surgical procedure may include:

• Laminotomy with discectomy: Laminotomy is a surgical procedure in which the lamina is partially removed to widen the space around the spinal cord, thereby giving the surgeon more room to work with. A discectomy procedure helps to relieve nerve compression by removing the slipped (herniated) or degenerated disc

How can Sciatica be Prevented?

The following guidelines may help prevent Sciatica from developing, or help prevent the condition from worsening:

• Exercising regularly
• Minimizing or cessation of smoking 
• Limiting activities that may place abnormal stress on the back
• Maintaining correct posture while standing, sitting, or working on the computer, may help relieve unwanted stress on the spine
• Maintaining a healthy body weight, which can help reduce unwanted stress on the spine and other joints of the body
• Bending one’s knees while lifting heavy objects

What is the Prognosis of Sciatica? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With proper rest and treatment, the pain associated with Sciatica will likely improve over time (in about 4 to 6 weeks) without surgery 
• It has been reported that approximately half of those affected, generally return to their routine/daily activities within 6 weeks or so
• In some cases, the symptoms can be chronic or reoccur

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sciatica:

On its own, Sciatica is not a medical condition, but a symptom of an underlying health condition.