Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom of a problem with the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It controls muscles in the back of the knee and lower leg and provides feeling to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. With sciatica, pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling is experienced. It can start in the lower back and extend down the leg to the calf, foot, or even the toes. It usually affects only one side of the body.

Causes of Sciatica

Causes of sciatica include:

• A ruptured intervertebral disk
• Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve, called spinal stenosis
• An injury such as a pelvic fracture

In many cases no cause can be found.

Treatments for Sciatica

Sometimes sciatica resolves on its own. Treatment, if needed, depends on the cause of the problem and may include exercises, medicines, and surgery.