3 Common Causes of Sciatica

Somewhere around 40 percent of all Americans may develop issues with sciatica at some point in life, according to some estimates. If you've ever had pain affecting the longest nerve in your body, which starts in the lower back and moves downward, you're definitely aware of how disruptive this condition can be.
Sharp sensations running down one side of the body and into the buttocks behind the thighs, leg and foot numbness, and pain that's more noticeable when getting up to a standing position or when walking are just some of the symptoms associated with sciatica. Treatment is more likely to be successful once the actual cause of the irritation of this nerve is determined. Here are three possibilities.

1. Disc Herniation

A disc that's "bulging" or herniated in the lower back area is a common cause of sciatic nerve irritation. This type of disc damage occurs when soft inner disc material pushes through a disc's harder exterior surface. The resulting protrusion of disc material sometimes irritates nearby nerves because of the resulting inflammation.

Disc herniation is usually the result of gradual deterioration that occurs with age. However, lower back discs can also be affected by slip-and-fall injuries or damage caused by improperly lifting heavy or awkward objects. Repetitive work-related tasks may also accelerate disc wear.

2. Vertebral Slippage (Spondylolisthesis)

If the spine becomes unstable due to injury, age-related changes, or a fracture, a vertebra may slip forward onto the one below it, a condition known as spondylolisthesis. Vertebral slippage can also happen because of wear and tear that happens over time and affects certain spinal structures.

Slippage could also suddenly occur due to a hard impact or fall. The displaced vertebra may then irritate the sciatic nerve. Vertebral slippage sometimes produces no significant symptoms, which may also be the case with disc herniation. If spondylolisthesis symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Sharp pain that extends from the lower back into the buttocks and legs
• Numbness and tingling sensations in legs
• A general weakness in lower extremities
• Pain that goes away when in a reclining position

3. Spinal Narrowing (Spinal Stenosis)

Spinal stenosis causes spaces to narrow in the spine where nerves travel through. If there's not sufficient room for spinal nerves, they may become irritated or compressed. If the lower back is affected, the sciatic nerve may be one of the nerves irritated. This type of discomfort is unique in that it's common to experience relief from symptoms while at rest. However, discomfort may return when walking or standing for long periods. Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, is a similar abnormality that may also irritate the sciatic nerve.

While these are some of the more common conditions that can cause sciatica, there are other factors that may contribute to this type of discomfort as well. For instance, irritation of the nearby piriformis muscle deep within the buttocks sometimes affects the sciatic nerve. For this reason, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis instead of simply treating symptoms. Treatment often involves medication, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle adjustments with diet, exercise, and posture habits.

If you think you may have any of these conditions that can cause sciatica, don’t hesitate to call on a Los Angeles spine surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. The pioneering physicians at The Spine Institute have years of experience treating every cause of neck and back pain, so give us a call at 310-828-7757 today to schedule a consultation.