Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and runs through the buttocks to the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem, usually compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Other causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slides forward on top of another), and piriformis syndrome (a condition in which the piriformis muscle in the buttock causes the sciatic nerve to compression), and rarely tumors and infections. Due to the influence of nerves. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed by a herniated disc or other conditions, it can cause inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. Typical symptoms of sciatica include:
1. Pain in the lower back that spreads to the buttocks and one leg. 2. The pain gets worse when you sit, stand, cough, or sneeze. 3. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet. 4. Difficulty moving your legs or feet.
Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. It ranges from conservative methods such as rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and exercise to more invasive options such as epidural steroid injections and surgery in severe cases. It is important to consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of sciatica and an appropriate treatment plan.