Sciatica can best be described as a group of symptoms from an injury or an underlying medical condition rather than a singular disorder. The term is used to specify symptoms of pain, tingling and numbness sensations, or weakness that often originates on the lower back and radiates through the sciatic nerve found in either leg.
When it comes to sciatica, the common injuries or underlying conditions causing the symptoms differ greatly based on age. Adults under the age of 60 frequently develop sciatica as a result of a lower back, or lumbar, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and isthmic spondylolisthesis. Adults over the age of 60 frequently develop sciatica as a result of degenerative changes, such as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Occasionally, pregnancy, or injuries such as muscle strains and bone fractures, which may create scar tissue, can also begin to develop sciatica symptoms.
Affecting millions among the American population, sciatica can be characterized within a range of minor irritation to a severe, disabling complication. Despite how frequently its diagnosed and treated, there’s an assortment of information about the condition that many individuals do not yet understand and its often a topic of confusion among the general population. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.Â