Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, which originates from your lower spinal cord and ends near the back of your foot. The term "sciatica" describes the symptoms that you may experience along this nerve that includes pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pain of acute sciatica will resolve on its own in four to eight weeks, depending on the cause. You should be aware of the common causes of sciatica.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Your spinal cord is a group of nerves that is protected by your backbones, or vertebrae. Each vertebra has a channel that your spinal cord passes through. As you age, degenerative changes in your spinal canal can occur, which will cause the canal to narrow, states the Mayo Clinic. A narrow canal, particularly in the lumbar area (lower back), puts pressure on the spinal cord and can result in the symptoms of sciatica. Your doctor will attempt to conservatively treat your symptoms, but surgery may be necessary for lumbar spinal stenosis.
Slipped or Herniated Disk
Between each vertebra is a fibrous disk that acts as a shock absorber and increases the flexibility of your spinal column. A disk can slip out of place and into the spinal canal if increased pressure is placed on the spinal column. This results in compression of the spinal nerve and can cause sciatica, according to Medline Plus. Slipped disks are usually treated with conservative measures because a large majority will heal on their own with time.
Piriformis Syndrome
As your sciatic nerve tracks from your lower spine to the back of your leg, it passes under a muscle called the piriformis. The Mayo Clinic states that Piriformis Syndrome occurs when the muscle becomes too tight and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Suspect Piriformis Syndrome if you have pain that moves down the back of your thigh but does not go past your knee. Piriformis Syndrome will usually heal with conservative treatment. Avoid prolonged sitting because this may aggravate your symptoms.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips out of place. According to the Mayo Clinic, this out of place vertebrae can compress your spinal nerve and cause sciatica. Your doctor will likely use conservative measures to treat spondylolisthesis, but surgery may be necessary.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors may also cause sciatica, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most spinal tumors do not originate from the spine but spread from other parts of the body that may be affected with cancer. Spinal tumors can be on the spinal cord itself or within the spinal canal. Following the treatment plan discussed between you and your doctor is the best way to treat sciatica related to spinal tumors.
