subject: A Look into the Causes of Sciatica [print this page] It will become less difficult to understand the causes of sciatica if there is a distinct knowing of the affliction itself. Not so much a disease but rather a number of symptoms, sciatica builds up when the spinal nerve roots, particularly the L4 or L5 or S1, 2, or 3 are generally squeezed which are where each sciatic nerve arises. It may also develop when the left or right or both sciatic nerves are irritated or compressed.
When sciatica manifests, severe lower back pain will commonly follow followed with pain from the hip down to the legs. The following are some causes of sciatica nerve pain...
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc develops when the nucleus pulposus (or liquid center) of the disc bulges outward into the spinal canal and results in compression of a nerve root against the vertebral pedicle or lamina. In instances of awful form while moving heavy things, a sudden disc herniation may cause acute sciatica (which is typically fixed after a few weeks even without surgical treatment).
Spinal Stenosis
When the nerves coming from the spinal cord are squeezed and agitated by bony spurs, swelling or spondylolisthesis in the spinal canal, spinal stenosis will occur. These compressed nerves deliver pain signals to the sciatic nerves leading to sciatica.
Tumors
Tumors may also be a cause of sciatica pain, specifically when it impinges or squeezes on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Piriformis Syndrome
Though quite uncommon, the sciatic nerve may go right through the piriformis muscle rather than underneath it. Sciatica pain may be experienced when the muscle contracts which leads to compression or strangulation of the sciatica nerve.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Sciatica pain occurs when the fine nerve filaments of the cauda equina are compressed. Bowel and/or bladder incontinence, impotence, and intensifying leg weakness may also develop with caude equina syndrome hence immediate emergency medical care is important.
Sciatica in Pregnancy
Pressure of the uterus upon the sciatic nerve, muscular strain and vertebral compression resulting from the additional weight, and postural adjustments are some causes of sciatica in pregnancy.
Lastly, it is important to point out that many of the causes of sciatica pain is self-inflicted through awful stance, sitting on a wallet while working a desk job, or standing for prolonged periods of time at work.
