Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain can come from several different conditions. True sciatica is due to a cause in the lower spine, as opposed to the SI joint or Piriformis muscle. Nerve roots exit from the lower spine and join into the sciatic nerve. When one or more of these nerve roots are compressed, the nerve signal going to/from the sciatic nerve will be interrupted. If the nerve signal is interrupted, painful symptoms may begin.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic Nerve Pain Causes

* A herniated disc can cause sciatica pain. A bulging disc can press on one of the nerve roots and interrupt the signal to/from the sciatic nerve. This is especially common in the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels. This is a classic example of a pinched nerve. A large percentage of the population have herniated discs, but experience no symptoms at all.

* Degenerative disc disease can cause intervertebral discs to flatten and bulge. These discs can put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, causing painful symptoms. Remember, that disc degeneration is normal and does not mean pain is caused by the narrowed discs.

* Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra (usually L5) slips forward and out of alignment with the rest of the spine. This can potentially cause pain due to compression of a sciatic nerve root. Remember that many people have this condition and are symptom free.

* Lumbar Spinal Stenosis can constrict the actual spinal nerves in the spinal canal. This condition can lead to treatment resistant sciatic pain. Remember that stenosis is a normal part of aging, and most people do not suffer any ill effects from average levels of stenosis.

Bottom Line on Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica is not a condition in itself. It is simply the symptom of a real problem somewhere else. It might affect the legs, but the cause is in the back, or sometimes in the mind�

Sciatic Nerve Pain to Home page 6/8/06 Revised 5/29/07