FreeMD® Sciatica: Definition

Sciatica

Definition

Sciatica Definition

Common names:

Acute Sciatica
Sacroiliac Joint Neuralgia
Sciatica

A person with sciatica has pain, numbness or weakness in the leg, caused by an irritated sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of the leg.

Continue to Sciatica Incidence

View more Back pain and back problems topics

Related Topics:

Back injury
Back pain after lifting
Back pain
Herniated disk
Leg pain
Neurapraxia
Piriformis syndrome
More...

freeMD is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a physician. Please review our terms of use.

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

Site Map

Sciatica References:

Barrett PH, Beck A, Schmid K, Fireman B, Brown JB. Treatment decisions about lumbar herniated disk in a shared decision-making program. Jt Comm J Qual Improv. 2002 May;28(5):211-9.
Humphreys SC, Eck JC. Clinical evaluation and treatment options for herniated lumbar disc. Am Fam Physician. 1999 Feb 1;59(3):575-82, 587-8.
Ito T, Takano Y, Yuasa N. Types of lumbar herniated disc and clinical course. Spine. 2001 Mar 15;26(6):648-51.
Spencer DL. The anatomical basis of sciatica secondary to herniated lumbar disc: a review. Neurol Res. 1999;21 Suppl 1:S33-6.