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Sciatica

Sciatica describes an irritationof the sciatic nerve, which isthe largest single nerve in thehuman body. The sciaticnerve begins from severalnerves in the lower lumbarvertebrae and the sacrum atthe bottom of the spine.These nerves combine to formthe sciatic nerve, which travelthrough the buttocks anddown each leg. Sciatic nerveirritation can result fromcompression of the sciaticnerve roots or frominflammation.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

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IntroductionSciatica describes an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is thelargest single nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve beginsfrom several nerves in the lower lumbar vertebrae and the sacrumat the bottom of the spine. These nerves combine to form thesciatic nerve, which travel through the buttocks and down eachleg. Sciatic nerve irritation can result from compression of thesciatic nerve roots or from inflammation.

SymptomsThe primary symptom of sciatic nerve irritation is pain felt in thelower back or buttocks that travels down one leg, frequently to thefoot. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting painand may sometimes feel like an electric jolt traveling down the leg.Muscular weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation down theleg and into the foot may also be symptoms. Pain in the leg isusually worse when sitting.

CausesSciatica can be caused by a variety of conditions that causeinflammation or pressure on the nerve roots connected to thesciatic nerve. The most frequent cause of sciatica is thedegeneration and rupture of a lumbar disc due to the normal agingprocess. The ruptured disc may herniate and push against anerve, causing pain in the low back, leg, or both. Occasionally,trauma or an episode of heavy lifting causes sudden rupture of thedisc and symptoms. Sudden twisting, such as when golfing, canalso cause herniations.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

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SummaryIf symptoms include loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medicalattention immediately. Minor sciatica will often disappear over timeand it is rare for permanent nerve damage to result. If symptomspersist and worsen, or if they arise after a sudden injury, treatmentmay be necessary. Non-surgical treatments include controllingsources of inflammation and pressure, as well as physical therapy.Surgery is performed for those whose symptoms do not improve.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

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