AI Overview
Can't generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.
A herniated disc can cause sciatica.
Show more
Show less
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of the leg.
A herniated disc in the lower back can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to this pain.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc (also called a slipped disc) occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc's outer layer.
How does it cause sciatica?
When a disc herniates, it can press on nearby nerve roots, including those that form the sciatic nerve.
This pressure or irritation can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatic nerve pathway:
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body.
It originates in the lower back and travels through the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the lower leg and foot.
Symptoms:
Sciatica caused by a herniated disc can manifest as lower back pain, buttock pain, pain down the back of the thigh, and sometimes into the calf or foot.
The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation.
Other symptoms:
In addition to pain, sciatica can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
Treatment:
Treatment for sciatica caused by a herniated disc can include pain medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery to remove the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve, according to the Nerve and Disc Institute.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve.
People also ask
How do you treat a herniated disc with sciatica?
How is a Herniated Disc Treated? Treatment may include treating patients with NSAID's, epidural steroid injections, Lumbosacral back support and physical therapy. Radiculitis, is pain that "radiates" along the path of a nerve which can happen because of irritation and inflammation along the nerve root nerve.
What helps get rid of sciatic nerve pain?
Lifestyle and home remedies
Cold packs. Place a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. ...
Hot packs. After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. ...
Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. ...
Medications.
How do I know if it's a herniated disc or sciatica?
The difference between a herniated disc and sciatica
As we mentioned above, it's possible for a herniated disc to cause no symptoms, though usually there's some pain, tingling, and weakness. Sciatica, on the other hand, is defined by its symptoms, particularly the pain's ability to travel.
A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal.
It's common for a herniated disk in your lower back to cause “sciatic nerve” pain (sciatica). This sharp pain usually shoots down one side of your buttocks ...
A disc herniation describes a disc that has protruded past its usual borders and often presses against and inflamed spinal nerve root causing pain or 'sciatica' ...
Sciatica and herniated discs share some of the same signs and symptoms but are two different conditions.
Exercise can alleviate sciatica caused by a herniated disc through stretches and movements that relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
Disc herniation means that some of the nucleus material that is in the center of the disc has moved out of the disc through a tear or a crack in the outer ...
Jul 19, 2023 · A slipped disc occurs if the spinal disc tissue pushes out, or "herniates," between the vertebrae. This herniated tissue may put pressure on the spinal nerves ...
Sciatica is most commonly due to a disc herniation or prolapse compressing on a nerve in the lower spine. The pain can be severe and disabling, however, it ...
Often, people experience no symptoms from a herniated disk. But for some, the rupture creates pressure on one of the sciatic nerve's nerve roots. With sciatica ...