Possible causes of sciatica

The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body, runs from the lower back, under the buttock and downward through the hip area into each leg. Sciatica means that the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, causing mild to intense pain and tingling in the left or right leg. The pain may be made worse by sneezing, coughing, or sitting for a long period of time. Sciatica is a symptom of a spinal disorder and not a spinal disorder itself.

The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body, runs from the lower back, under the buttock and downward through the hip area into each leg. Sciatica means that the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, causing mild to intense pain and tingling in the left or right leg. The pain may be made worse by sneezing, coughing, or sitting for a long period of time. Sciatica is a symptom of a spinal disorder and not a spinal disorder itself.

Diagnosis

Who gets it and why? Disc degeneration results from the natural aging of the discs between the bones in the spine. In the vast majority of cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated or 'slipped' disc, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Also, the disc material contains an acidic chemical irritant that can cause nerve inflammation.

Less common causes include spinal stenosis which is a narrowing of the nerve passages in the spine, a spinal injury or infection.

Sciatica - Treatment

Many cases of sciatica will resolve in around 6 weeks without the need for treatment. However, a combination of things you can do at home - such as taking over the counter painkillers, exercising and using hot or cold packs - may reduce the symptoms until the condition improves. In more persistent cases, you may be advised to follow a structured exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist, have injections of anti-inflammatory and painkilling medication into your spine, and/or take stronger pain killing medication. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem in your spine. These proceadures can be either open surgery, microsurgery or endoscopic surgery.

You can find more at: https://www.eurospinepatientline.org/en/f175000028.html