Sciatica is the name given to pain which originates in the lower back and radiates to the buttocks and down the legs due to irritation of the Sciatic nerve. Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower backache.
The sciatic nerve is one of the most important and big nerves affecting to the back and lower limbs. It emerges from the openings in the sacral vertebral bone (tail bone) and supplies muscles in the back and lower limbs. In sciatica, the openings in the sacral bone through which the sciatic nerve emerges, is narrowed, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve and resulting pain along its course. As this nerve supplies back and lower limb, there is backache and pain running down the legs.

The causes of sciatica are mostly conditions that cause irritation of the nerves. These include:

• Fractures of the pelvic or hip bone.
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal).
• Prolapsed intervertebral disc.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Spondylosis.
• Intra-spinal abscess.
• Intra-spinal tumor.

The symptoms of sciatica vary according to the severity of impingement on sciatic nerve. Sciatica should be suspected if patients experience: 

• Pain and cramps in the back, buttocks and down the posterior aspect of legs.
• Weakness in the legs during standing and walking.
• Pain and weakness that is relieved with rest.
• Numbness or tingling in the back and along the legs.
• Reduced sensations along the areas supplied by the sciatic nerve.

Find out how Sciatica can be more effectively treated.

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