Sciatica is a medical condition characterised by pain going down the leg from the lower back and is caused by irritation to one or more of the nerves that come from the spine that supply the leg.
This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, though gradual onset may also occur.
The pain is often described as a shooting or electric shock sensation. Typically, symptoms are only on one side of the body but on occasion it can affect both sides. Lower back pain is sometimes but not always present. Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.
The commonest cause of sciatica is a herniated (or slipped) disc. However, it may also be pre-disposed to by age related changes in the spine or other conditions that might cause pressure on a nerve. Your practitioner will be able to work with you to figure out what might be causing your sciatica and provide you with the best treatment and management to resolve your pain.
