Sciatica refers to pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve is injured, entrapped, pressured, or inflamed from a disease process.

Causes

The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging lumbar disk in the spine pressing against the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. However, sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as narrowing of the spinal canal caused by arthritis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica include pain that radiates through one buttock and down the back of that leg. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory medications or apply muscle relaxants
Ice lower back for 24 hours if the pain is due to injury
Heat lower back after 24 hours for all cases.
Pain medications may be taken only if the pain is severe
Epidural corticosteroid injection may be considered if no improvement is seen after four weeks. Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your health professional may suggest physical therapy, injections of medications such as steroids, or even surgery for severe cases.