Sciatica Nerve Pain: What Causes This Condition
Sciatica nerve pain is attributed to the sciatica nerve that is found at the base of the spine. This very large nerve runs down past the buttocks and into the back of the left thigh. The sciatica nerve is important in the body as it is the way the lower portion of the body sends information and sensations to the brain. When this nerve is impacted, a person can experience extreme pain, shooting pain and even numbness.
What Are The Causes Of Sciatica Nerve Pain?
Sciatica nerve pain is can be caused by several different factors. A herniated disc is a cause of sciatica nerve pain that is common. When the disc herniates, it bulges and causes pressure on the sciatica nerve that then results in pain in the legs. The disc may also rupture which then causes fluid to be released that will cause even more inflammation in the sciatica nerve region, again resulting in sciatica nerve pain.
Another cause of sciatica nerve pain is lumbar spinal stenosis. This condition is most often found in mature adults and is the result of nerve compression brought about by the narrowing of the passage ways in which the nerves travel. When the nerves are compressed sciatica nerve pain is the result.
A trauma can also cause sciatica nerve pain. An accident to the lower region of the back can result in damage to the sciatica nerve. This can occur in a car accident or even while playing contact sports where a person may be hit hard in the back.
Spinal tumors may also cause sciatica nerve pain. When an abnormal growth occurs on the spine, there is the possibility of compression of the nerves that will then result in sciatica nerve damage. These tumors can be benign or cancerous.
Piriformis Syndrome is another cause of sciatica nerve pain. This is a condition that affects the piriformis muscle that runs under the thigh bone and connects to the hip bone and assists in rotating the hip. This condition can be difficult to detect and may require several tests to be performed. The pain occurs when spasms happen within this muscle that then put pressure on the sciatica nerve.
There can be several reasons why a person is experiencing sciatica nerve pain. It is important to consult with a physician to try and discover the root cause of this condition and then make a plan on how to treat the condition.
