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Sciatic nerve pain is a type of back pain. It causes a shooting and sharp pain that spreads from the lower back and goes through the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet.
Unfortunately, this pain affects around 40 percent of the adult American population.
Sciatic nerve pain causes a constant dull ache in the lower part of the back, inability to lift or move the feet and legs, pain in the lower back that comes and goes, pain that goes down the leg into the feet, tingling sensation in the feet, numbness in the thighs, and weakness in the foot and leg.
What Are the Possible Causes for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain can happen after a pinched or compressed nerve. Here are some of the main causes of sciatic nerve pain:
- Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs start to weaken and wear down, causing the nerve to pinch. The fluid from the degenerated disc may leak and cause irritated sciatic nerve.
- Bone spurs
Vertebrae bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve root and cause pain and discomfort.
- Herniated discs
The discs between the vertebrae may bulge and put pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis
This happens when the spine becomes narrower due to arthritis or aging. It may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
- Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle extends from the sacrum to the hip joint. Located on top of the sciatic nerve, if it becomes tight, it may put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Vertebral fracture
If there’s a fracture of the vertebrae, it may compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort.
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