Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is a neurological condition characterized by pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks, back of the thigh, outer side of the lower leg, and foot. Causes of sciatica include:

1. Lumbar disc herniation: When the cartilage of the lumbar intervertebral disc ruptures, the contents can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain.

2. Lumbar spinal stenosis: With aging, the lumbar spinal canal may narrow due to bone spurs, compressing the nerve roots. This condition, known as lumbar spinal stenosis, can also trigger sciatica.

3. Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebral body slides forward or backward relative to another, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve and causing pain.

4. Muscle tension or strain: Conditions such as piriformis syndrome, involving muscle tension or injury, can lead to compression of the sciatic nerve due to muscle tightness or inflammation, causing pain.

5. Congenital abnormalities: Conditions such as spina bifida occulta and lumbarization of the sacrum can cause sciatica.

6. Trauma or soft tissue disorders: Conditions like thickening of the ligamentum flavum or fractures in the lumbosacral region can lead to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

7. Infection and inflammation: Ankylosing spondylitis, spinal tuberculosis, or damage or inflammation of surrounding tissues may also trigger sciatica.

8. Other causes: Spinal tumors, infections, diabetes, and other conditions can potentially lead to sciatica.

There are many potential causes of sciatica. If sciatica develops, prompt medical attention is recommended.