Causes Of Sciatica

Sciatica refers to symptoms which occur when there is damage or irritation to the sciatic nerves. In some cases pinching of the sciatic nerves can lead to the symptoms of sciatica. There are various causes of Sciatica which include the following:

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis refer to one of the muscles which is situated at the buttocks (lower back). In this muscle there is a nerve which runs through it and when the root of this important nerve is irritated or pinched, pain and some numbness is experienced at the back of the leg all the way into the foot. To some people the pain can be so severe until it affects motion or movement. This pain is sometimes referred to as sciatica pain.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

This is sometimes referred to as slipped disc. The human spine is made up of discs, nerves, vertebrae among other components which ease movement and communication. For the vertebrae to function properly, discs must be present. Discs are important as they help in cushioning and supporting the vertebrae. When there is rapture of the outer disc, the gel which is normally found within the disc will start bulging out in between the vertebrae. The swelling/bulging will finally cause a lot of pressure to the sciatic nerves. Exertion of pressure on these nerves will irritate or in some cases cause some pinching on them leading to sciatica. As one gets older the more he or she is at risk of developing herniated disc since the discs become tougher, brittle and harder hence subject to splitting and rupturing. In terms of gender, both men have almost equal chances of getting sciatica but women are more vulnerable as compared to men of the same age.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The nerves that run throughout the body including the back run through avenues or passages. In the event that the passages start narrowing, there is a danger of developing some discomfort which may be accompanied with other symptoms. The discs, ligaments or bones may abnormally put a lot of pressure to the nerves of the spine; this is likely to cause unwarranted pain at the legs and the lower back. This may result due to diseases of the bones for example Paget’s illness; when there are changes or alterations of the ligaments especially those of the spine and finally age. Lumbar spinal stenosis is common in those people who are in their middle ages and the elderly as compared to the young ones.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

This joint is found at the lower back of the body and it lies close to the bottom of the spine above the tail bone and below the lumbar spine. The joint is normally very strong, small, acts as a shock absorber and it is this joint that is responsible in transmitting the forces that are involved in the hips and the legs. When there is some form of malfunctioning of this important joint, there will be irritation of the nerves in these joints and this will finally lead to some form of pain which may run from the lower back unto the legs.