Sciatica
This spreading ache points to sciatica, a condition hitting the sciatic nerve, the biggest nerve you have.
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Sciatica
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Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This happens "upstream" from the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be serious, those cases that are caused by a herniated disk can clear up with treatment in a few weeks to months. People who have severe sciatica and serious leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might need surgery.
Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It's especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf.
Risk factors
Risk factors for sciatica include:
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Age: People ages 20 to 50 are most likely to have herniated disks. Bone spurs develop more commonly as people age.
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Obesity: Being overweight increases stress on the spine.
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Occupation: A job that requires twisting the back, carrying heavy loads or driving a motor vehicle for long periods might play a role in herniated disks.
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Prolonged sitting: People who sit a lot or don't move much are more likely to develop herniated disks than active people are.
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Diabetes: This condition, which affects the way the body uses blood sugar, increases the risk of nerve damage.
Causes
Sciatica occurs when the nerve roots to the sciatic nerve become pinched. The cause is usually a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone, sometimes called bone spurs, on the spinal bones. More rarely, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose sciatica using a combination of methods. They’ll review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. They’ll also do a physical examination.
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