In rare cases compression of the sciatic nerve can be so severe that there is progressive weakness in the legs and/or loss of bowel and bladder function. It is common for the pain to gradually reduce until it resolves completely - usually within four to eight weeks. Pain and symptoms are usually most severe in the early stages of the condition, when compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve are at their greatest. The pain may be aggravated by specific actions, such as sneezing, coughing, lifting or sitting. The characteristic that distinguishes it from other types of back pain is that the pain travels below the knee. Sciatic pain is typically felt in the lower back and hip and radiates down the back of one leg. It may be associated with sensations such as pins and needles, tingling, numbness and weakness. Sciatic pain is commonly described as a cramp-like pain that can be burning or sharp in nature. It can occur suddenly or have a gradual onset. The pain caused by sciatica can range from being mild to very severe. Jobs that involve twisting of the back or carrying heavy loads.While any injury or process which causes compression of the sciatic nerve can cause sciatic pain, in many cases there may be no specific cause identified for the sciatic pain.įactors that increase the likelihood of developing sciatica include: Age-related outgrowths of bone (bone spurs) on the vertebrae can also compress the sciatic nerve. This is where the pathways through which the sciatic nerve travels are narrowed, causing compression and/or irritation of the nerve. In older age groups, sciatica may occur as the result of conditions caused by spinal degeneration, such as spinal stenosis. Less common causes of sciatica include infection, pelvic injury or fracture, and tumours. Muscle spasms can also cause sciatica by compressing the sciatic nerve as it travels through the muscles. This occurs when one of the soft, gel-filled discs between the vertebrae of the spine bulges or ruptures, compressing and/or irritating the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a herniated disc (also known as slipped disc or disc prolapse). Sciatic pain occurs when there is pressure on, or damage to, the sciatic nerve. It originates in the lower spine, branches into the pelvis, then travels through the buttocks, down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It is estimated that up to 40% of the New Zealand population will experience sciatica at some point in their lives. Sciatica may occur in people in their 30s and 40s as a result of strenuous physical activity like sports or heavy lifting, or older people as a result of ageing and degeneration of the spine.

Sciatica is pain caused by problems with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down the back of each leg to the feet.

Sciatica x rays