Sciatica CausesSciatica refers to a group of symptoms that are generally caused by a problem in the lower back known as a radiculopathy (when a never root that connects to the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed). Common lower back problems and spinal conditions that can cause sciatica include: Degenerative disc disease: Even though disc degeneration is a natural process that occurs with aging, one or more degenerated discs have the possibility to irritate a nerve root and cause sciatica. Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed after a weakened disc results in excessive micro-motion at the corresponding vertebral level and inflammatory proteins, located inside the disc, become exposed which irritates the area (and also the nerve roots). Lumber spinal stenosis: Commonly causes sciatica due to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is more common in adults over the age of 60, and generally results from one or more of the following: overgrowth of soft tissue, enlarged facet joints, or a bulging disc placing pressure on the nerve roots as they exit the spine. Lumbar herniated disc: Occurs when the soft inner core of the disc extrudes through the fibrous outer core of the disc. This irritates the contiguous nerve root as it exits the spine. Generally, it is the thought that an injury or sudden twisting motion can lead to an eventual disc herniation and sciatica. Most discs, however, weaken due to repetitive stress and the end result is a herniation. Herniated discs are sometimes referred to as a slipped disc, bulging disc, ruptured disc, protruding disc, or a pinched nerve. Sciatica is the most common symptom of a lumbar herniated disc. Isthmic spondylolisthesis: When a small stress fracture allows one vertebral body to slip forward on another vertebral body. With a combination of disc space collapse, the facture, and the vertebral body slipping forward, the nerve can get pinched as it exits the spine and cause sciatica. Piriformis syndrome: It is also possible for the sciatic nerve to be irritated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the rear. If this muscle pinches or irritates a nerve root that comprises the sciatic nerve, sciatica type pain can occur. Although this isn't a true radiculopathy, the leg pain can feel the same as sciatica caused by a nerve irritation. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: If the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine is irritated, it can also irritate the L5 nerve, which lies on top of it, and cause sciatica-type pain. This is also not a true radiculopathy, but the leg pain can feel like sciatica. |
