Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by compression of one of
the five sets of nerve roots in the lower
back. These nerves commonly referred to as
the sciatic nerve, transmit pain and sensation
signals to the rest of the body. Compressing
or constricting part of this nerve can cause
extreme pain. Many types of back problems
or injuries can cause sciatica, including
a bulging or herniated disc in the back, trauma
to the spine, lumbar spinal stenosis, a slipped
vertebra, etc.
When a herniated disc occurs, the bulging
disc material can press on nearby nerve tissue,
causing compression of the sciatic nerve.
In addition, the material that the spinal
disc is composed of is acidic, causing even
more nerve inflammation. This type of nerve
compression and inflammation can cause severe
sciatica, leading to pain, inflammation, tingling,
and numbness in the lumbar area.
Trauma
to the lumbar region experienced in a car
accident, fall, or contact sport can also
cause or contribute to sciatica pain. These
incidents can cause direct nerve compression.
Injuries can include compression of the nerves
by pieces of broken bones, direct nerve compression,
or nerve injury. Any or all of these injuries
can trigger sciatica pain, leaving the accident
victim crippled or inconvenienced for life.
A slipped vertebra is the most common cause
of sciatica pain. When one vertebra slips
forward over another vertebra and remains
in an incorrect position, nerve compression
results. This type of back problem can be
genetic, or can be triggered by trauma or
repeated stress (such as heavy exercise or
weight lifting).
Depending on the cause of your sciatica, your
treatment options may vary. Talk to your doctor
today to determine what is causing your pain,
and how you can begin to effectively treat
it.
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