Sciatica describes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. This lesson introduces what the term means, how symptoms commonly appear, and who is most often affected.
Sciatica usually names a symptom rather than a single disease. In everyday use, it refers to pain that begins around the lower back or buttock and radiates down a leg. More narrowly, it may describe symptoms caused by irritation or compression of lumbar or sacral nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.
All flashcards
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is usually a symptom: pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway, often from the lower back or buttock down the leg.
What does a dermatome represent?
A dermatome is a region of skin supplied by a particular spinal nerve root.
What does sciatica pain commonly feel like?
It is often described as shooting, sharp, or shock-like, and it travels down the leg.
Which sensory or motor symptoms can occur with sciatica?
Numbness, tingling, or weakness may occur in parts of the affected leg or foot.
Who is most commonly affected by sciatica?
Sciatica is most common between ages 40 and 59, and men are affected more frequently than women.
Quiz questions
What does the term sciatica usually describe?Answer: A symptom pattern involving pain along the sciatic nerve pathway
How can a herniated disc cause sciatica?Answer: Disc material can protrude and irritate nearby nerve roots
What makes a straight-leg-raising test positive for possible sciatica?Answer: Passive raising reproduces pain in the sciatic distribution, usually at 30–70 degrees
Which suspected condition is a reason for urgent MRI assessment?Answer: Spinal epidural abscess
When may discectomy be considered for routine sciatica related to disc herniation?Answer: When severe pain persists beyond about six weeks despite conservative care
Based on the Wikipedia article Sciatica, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.