According to Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the leg. Nerve compression in the lower back, or lumbar spine, causes symptoms to radiate from the lumbar spine to the lower leg. This condition is commonly treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause. Thus, patients with lumbar sciatica should be aware of the underlying causes, and know what to do if experienced.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
MayoClinic.com states that lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of sciatica. The lumbar portion of the spinal column is composed of five vertebrae, of spinal bones. Each spinal bone has an opening in the middle, through which the spinal cord and spinal nerves pass through. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the canal over time. When narrowing occurs, spinal nerves in the lumbar spine are compressed and cause sciatica. The extent of the stenosis correlates with the extent of sciatica symptoms that are experienced. In this case, physical therapy and conservative management of sciatica are the first-line treatments for mild stenosis. However, as stenosis worsens, surgery may be warranted.
Spondylolisthesis
Spndylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips slightly forward on the vertebra below it. When this occurs in the lumbar spine, it can cause lumbar sciatica, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the slipped vertebra may compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves as they pass through the spinal canal. Mild cases of spondylolisthesis may heal on its own; thus, sciatica may be treated conservatively. However, in severe spondylolisthesis, surgery may be necessary.
Spinal Tumors
A tumor in the lumbar spinal canal can cause lumbar sciatica, states MayoClinic.com. Tumors in the lumbar spine are most likely attached to the meninges, which are the membranes that cover the spinal cord. As a tumor grows, it can cause worsening compression of the spinal cord and worsens lumbar sciatica. In this case, treatment of the primary tumor is necessary to prevent further metastasis and growth of lumbar spinal tumors. After the primary tumor is treated, surgery may be necessary to remove tumors that are compressing the lumbar spinal nerves.
Trauma
Trauma experienced in a car accident, sports accident, or other traumatic event may cause damage to the lumbar spinal cord or spinal nerves and cause sciatica. This occurs because damage to the lumbar vertebra, or damage to soft tissue near spinal nerves can results in lumbar sciatica. Treatment for trauma-related lumbar sciatica depends on the extent of damage from the traumatic event.
