Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy
Sharp, electric nerve pain that runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.
Also Called: Lumbar radiculopathy, pinched nerve, nerve root pain.
What It Is
Sciatica is pain that follows the sciatic nerve from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It happens when a nerve root in the lower back is compressed or irritated. The cause is usually a herniated disc. Narrowing around the nerve or a slipped vertebra can produce the same pattern.
Causes & Risk Factors
A herniated disc is the most common cause. Age-related narrowing where the nerve exits the spine, or a slipped vertebra, can compress the same nerve. The risk factors are the same as for disc problems: age, heavy or repetitive lifting, smoking, and genetics.
Symptoms
- Sharp, burning, or electric pain starting in the lower back or buttock and running down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg
- Symptoms typically worsen with sitting, bending, or coughing
There's no single right treatment for Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy. The best plan depends on your imaging, your history, and your exam. The next step is a conversation about your specific case.
Dr. Hirsch is board-certified and Yale-trained. Read his full background.