Sciatica is a symptom of an issue with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It controls the muscles in the back of the knee and lower leg and gives sensation to the back of the thigh, lower leg, and sole of the foot.
Causes and Symptoms
Sciatica can be presented as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling starting in the lower back and extending downward, sometimes all the way to the toes. It usually only occurs on one side of the body.
Causes
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis
- Pelvic injury
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor will carry out a physical exam to check your function, muscle strength, range of motion, and movements that cause pain. If the pain is severe or lasts a long time your doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or blood tests to try to find the cause of the sciatica.
Treatment
- Cold, then hot compresses
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Steroid Injections