Formed by nerve roots from the lumbar and sacral plexuses (webs of nerves in the low back and base of the spine), the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It passes through a number of small spaces as it makes its way from the lumbar and pelvic region down the lower extremity. Along the way there are several sites at which sciatic nerve compression can occur. Nerve compression in any of these locations can produce symptoms identical to those of a herniated lumbar disc.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that begins in the hip and buttocks and continues all the way down the leg.
This condition is often accompanied by low back pain.
In addition to pain, other sensations include spasms, tingling or numbness along the sciatic nerve that can travel down the hamstrings, lower legs and feet. These symptoms can occur on one or both sides.
The cause of sciatica can range from a misaligned vertebra or disc, to tightened muscles surrounding these structures, or even tightened muscles anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve.
“True sciatica” refers to a herniated lumbar disc compressing one of the contributing roots of the sciatic nerve. “False sciatica” relates to a condition where contracted muscle structures in the buttocks or lower extremity compresses the sciatic nerve, similar to piriformis syndrome.
Regardless of the title, the symptoms are the same for true or false sciatica. They include pain that is:
- Ongoing (as opposed to flaring up for a few days or weeks and then subsiding)
- Worse in the leg and foot than the lower back
- Typically felt on one side the buttock or leg only
- Usually worse after long periods of standing still or sitting (relieved somewhat when walking)
- More severe (burning, tingling) vs. dull, aching
- Accompanied by weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot