Sciatica

Sciatica is defined as the sensation of pain, tingling, or numbness in the back and/or buttocks that radiates down the legs which is produced by an irritation of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is made up of the nerve roots that extend out of the spinal cord and into the lower portion of the back.

The sciatic nerve also branches through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and feet.

Other causes of sciatica may include herniated, bulging, or degenerated discs, which induce pressure on the sciatic nerve, small, bony growths on the spine (bone spurs) and the compression or pinching of the nerve through injury.

In some cases, sciatica may be caused by tumors, pregnancy, or the narrowing of the spinal canal known as spinal stenosis.