Patients with shooting pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg may be suffering from a very common condition called sciatica. It occurs when the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of each leg is compressed or injured, causing pain along the nerve. Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), a herniated disc, or bone spur on the spine can all press on the sciatic nerve and cause the pain of sciatica. Sciatica symptoms can range from annoying (a leg that feels like ... [Read More]
sciatica pain
Sciatica Pain Treatment Options
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that comes from either side of the lower spine and travels through the pelvis and buttocks, along the back of each upper leg before it divides at the knee into branches that go to the feet. As many as 4 out of every 10 people will get sciatica, or irritation of the sciatic nerve, at some point in their life. This can be caused by anything that puts pressure on or irritates this nerve. Sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation ... [Read More]
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that originates in the lower back and can radiate down one side to the buttock and down the back of the leg. It is very common, with about 3 million people in the U.S. reporting sciatica pain each year. Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. Because there is always an underlying condition causing sciatica, a complete diagnosis will need to include the underlying condition. Here is some helpful information about ... [Read More]
