Causes
Anything that causes irritation or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica, including:
- Herniated disk (or slipped disk)—the cushions between the bones of your spine bulge out of place and press on the nerve as it exits the spinal column
- Disk degeneration—caused by aging or arthritis
- Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area
- Spondylolisthesis —slippage of a bone in the low back
- Sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments in the area
-
In rare cases:
- Benign or malignant tumors
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Metabolic problems like diabetes
- Toxins, such as excessive alcohol
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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