Sciatica: Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Potential Complications

Sciatica is defined as a condition that causes pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the spine to the bottom of each leg.

Causes

• Many factors can cause sciatica. These include conditions such as spinal tumors and degenerative disk diseases. Damage to the sciatic nerve and to the spine can also cause sciatica. These factors cause a nerve root to become compressed in the spine, causing pain in the sciatic nerve.

Complications

• According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica can lead to life-altering complications such as loss of feeling or movement in the affected leg and loss of bladder or bowel function.

Significance

• The Mayo Clinic states that most people recover from sciatica and will not experience complications. However, in some cases, patients may experience complications and be unable to work or even walk.

Treatment

• The two most common types of treatment for sciatica are physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. These techniques will help with the pain and swelling, and address the underlying condition causing sciatica. In more extreme cases, surgery may be needed.

Prevention/Solution

• Exercising regularly, having good posture, and lifting objects properly may prevent sciatica as the chance of developing the conditions that cause sciatica will decrease.