WHAT IS SCIATICA?

Sciatica is the sensation of pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks, and/or legs produced by an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve extends out of the spinal cord and branches into the lower portion of the back, the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot. The primary causes of sciatica are herniated, bulging, or degenerated disc, which induce pressure on the spinal nerve roots. Other causes may include small, bony growths on the spine (bone spurs) or compression of the nerves through injury. In rare cases, the sciatic nerve may also be irritated by conditions such as piriformis syndrome, tumors, or pregnancy.