Sciatica is a type of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and it runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs. Sciatica can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc in the spine, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as piriformis syndrome. 

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Often times, radiating pain into the buttock or leg can be mistaken for sciatica when in reality it could be referral from another structure, such as a trigger point or joint sprain (aka a sclerotogenous referral). 

LEADING CAUSES

If you are suffering from sciatica then you have been diagnosed with a "Lumbar Radiculopathy".

What this means is that there is a single nerve or multiple nerves emerging from your lower back that have become irritated or possibly pinched. This often results in the patient suffering from pain, numbness or tingling in the specific area of your leg that is supplied by the irritated nerve.

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The term "Sciatica" is often used to describe this condition because most (but not all) "lumbar radiculopathies" cases impact or involve the sciatic nerve which supplies the back & outside of your thigh and calf. Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy can be varied but most suffer from some form of a dull ache to a constant severe sharp shooting pain. In some cases, you may find that your symptoms are aggravated by certain positions or movements. 

SYMPTOMS

If you are suffering from sciatica then you have been diagnosed with a "Lumbar Radiculopathy".

What this means is that there is a single nerve or multiple nerves emerging from your lower back that have become irritated or possibly pinched. This often results in the patient suffering from pain, numbness or tingling in the specific area of your leg that is supplied by the irritated nerve.

​

The term "Sciatica" is often used to describe this condition because most (but not all) "lumbar radiculopathies" cases impact or involve the sciatic nerve which supplies the back & outside of your thigh and calf. Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy can be varied but most suffer from some form of a dull ache to a constant severe sharp shooting pain. In some cases, you may find that your symptoms are aggravated by certain positions or movements.