The Truth about Sciatica

The truth about sciatica is that it is not actually a condition or spinal abnormality. Instead, the term refers to a grouping of typical symptoms that may be felt as a result of the sciatic nerve being compressed or irritated. However, when sciatica is present, a spinal abnormality is likely present as well. The symptoms that make up sciatica include localized pain and stiffness at the site of the nerve compression or irritation, as well as pain, muscle weakness, tingling, muscle spasms, and general discomfort radiating down the sciatic nerve and into various nerve endings throughout the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The symptoms of sciatica can be felt solely on the left side of the body, solely on the right side of the body, or simultaneously on both sides.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back in the area between the fourth lumbar vertebra and the third sacral vertebra. The nerve diverges into two near the hips and extends below the end of the spinal column and down into both legs. This single nerve is responsible for providing most of the feeling and motor signals for the lower body. Thus, any impingement or irritation along the course of the nerve can send messages of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms to one or various nerve endings in the lower back or lower extremities.

What is the Cause of Your Sciatica?

It is difficult to immediately pinpoint a specific cause of sciatica because the condition can be caused in a number of ways. The spinal column, spinal cord, and nerve roots are delicate structures which provide much support and feeling for the body, and any means of impingement and irritation of nerve structures may cause symptoms, such as sciatica, to be experienced. Some of the various causes of nerve irritation and compression include a bulging intervertebral disc, a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, and spinal arthritis. Many of these conditions arise because the spinal column and its many components naturally degenerate with time and age. But it is important to note that the aging process is not the only cause of spinal abnormalities that may result in sciatica. The spinal column also may suffer an abnormality from the effects of a traumatic injury or a congenital birth defect, among other things.