Sciatica Treatment The sciatic nerve is the longest, widest nerve in the human body, so it’s not surprising that sciatica, a condition whose symptoms include pain originating in the sciatic nerve, can be hugely painful for its sufferers.
What Is Sciatica?
“Sciatica” might sound like the latest science-fiction thriller or a type of reptile, but for many people, this funny-sounding word is anything but funny. Broadly speaking, sciatica is a term used to describe pain and other issues that stem from complications with the sciatic nerve, the longest, widest nerve in the human body.
What is The Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerve is the longest, widest nerve in the human body, so it’s not surprising that sciatica, a condition whose symptoms include pain originating in the sciatic nerve, can be hugely painful for its sufferers. Pain from sciatica can occur in the lower back, buttocks and legs, and symptoms of sciatica may also include numbness, weakness or “pins and needles” tingling.
What Causes Sciatica?
Several different types of trauma can cause sciatica, the most common of which is spinal disc herniation, wherein a tear in the exterior of a spinal disc allows the soft interior of the disc to slip out, placing pressure on nerves, including the sciatic nerve. Other potential causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, Piriformis syndrome and pregnancy.