What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, traveling from the buttocks down the leg. This pain often results from pressure on the nerve roots in the lower back, before the nerve forms the sciatic nerve itself.
Several factors can compress or irritate the nerve roots leading to sciatica. The most common culprits are:
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Herniated Disc: A slipped or ruptured intervertebral disc in the lower spine (lumbar region) can bulge and press on nearby nerve roots. This is a frequent cause of sciatica.
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Bone Overgrowth (Spinal Stenosis): The narrowing of spaces within the spine, often due to age-related changes, can put pressure on the nerve roots.
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Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, putting pressure on the nerves. This is often age-related.
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Piriformis Syndrome: This less common cause involves the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock, compressing the sciatic nerve.
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Spinal Tumors: In rarer instances, tumors in the spine can also cause sciatica.
Understanding Sciatica's Origin
It's crucial to understand that sciatica isn't a disease itself, but rather a symptom indicating an underlying issue affecting the sciatic nerve or its roots. The pain isn't originating directly in the sciatic nerve in the leg, but rather "upstream" in the lower back where the nerve roots originate.
Additional Information from Sources:
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Cleveland Clinic: Defines sciatica as nerve pain stemming from injury or irritation of the sciatic nerve, potentially including tingling or numbness. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica
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Mayo Clinic: Confirms that sciatica involves pain along the sciatic nerve's path, originating in the buttocks and extending down the leg. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
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Harvard Health: Emphasizes that treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause, which might include a herniated disc or pinched nerve. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/5-causes-of-sciatica
