Definition:

The sciatic nerve is usually injured at the root of the nerve in the lumbar spine resulting in pain, numbness and/or tingling into the buttocks and down the leg. On occasion tumors, pregnancy, or external compression may cause sciatic injury not related to the spine.

Symptoms:

• Lower back pain
• Buttock pain
• Pain, numbness or weakness in various parts of the leg and foot
• "Pins and needles" sensation
• Tingling and difficulty moving or controlling the leg
• Typically symptoms only manifest on one side of the body
• Pain may radiate below the knee

Causes:

• Spinal disc herniation
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Piriformis syndrome
• Coughing/Sneezing
• Muscular hypertension
• Trauma
• Surgery

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching exercises
• Massage therapy
• Core stabilization exercises
• Lower extremity strengthening