Where is sciatic nerve

If rest, icing or other self-care methods have not improved your condition after three days, consult a physiatrist, spine surgeon or your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms.

If you experience severe numbness, tingling or problems urinating, see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will first perform a history and physical examination, and then X-rays and MRI scans will confirm whether there is a lumbar nerve root compression. In some cases, epidural steroid injections may also help you return to full activity.

Severe cases may require spinal decompression surgery. Your doctor or physical therapist may give you instruction about proper bending and lifting to avoid aggravating your condition.

Most people with sciatica get relief from their symptoms within several months. For those patients who do not respond conservative care and experience persistent, disabling sciatica, surgery may be warranted. Your doctor will determine whether you are a candidate for surgery based on the duration and severity of symptoms. If your condition is causing cauda equina syndrome which includes symptoms such as bladder dysfunction, incontinence or severe numbness in the buttocks may be an indication that you should have immediate surgery.

The surgical treatment for sciatica is spinal decompression surgery. The goal is to remove any disc herniation or stenosis narrowing of canal that is pressing on the affected lumbar nerve to ease the leg pain and associated symptoms of numbness and weakness. There are several different decompression surgeries, dependent on which nerve roots are affected.

They include:. Learn more from the articles and other content below, or find the best sciatica doctor or surgeon at HSS for your particular condition and insurance. These articles discuss different methods physicians use to diagnose sciatica and other spine-related conditions. See Diagnosing the Cause of Sciatica. Some studies suggest that immune system responses may play a role in causing sciatica pain when there is exposure of disc material from herniated discs.

Certain substances such as glycosphingolipids fats and neurofilaments protein polymers that are secreted by the immune system are particularly high in people with sciatica. It is believed that these substances are released due to the reaction between nerve roots and exposed disc material and may cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Certain physical characteristics of an individual may affect the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. Research indicates a higher risk of sciatica may be present in:. Research also shows that sciatica tends to occur more often in women, who may experience slower recovery in severe cases. Men, however, are reported to have more hospitalizations and surgery due to sciatica.

People with certain occupations may be at a higher risk of developing sciatica pain. A few examples include truck drivers, machine workers, carpenters, and weight-lifting athletes. An adequate level of vitamin B12 is important for maintaining nerve health. Sciatica may occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency and may be more common in elderly people, above 60 years of age.

Diabetic individuals who are treated with metformin may also be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption. Research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in the degeneration of intervertebral discs, which in turn may cause sciatica. The genetic factors may alter the structure and function of certain collagen proteins within the disc, which weaken and deteriorate the function of the disc.

When the sciatic nerve is affected, the symptoms of sciatica are typically felt along the skin and muscles supplied by the nerve. Myths About Sciatica Treatment Options. Physical Therapy and Exercise for Sciatica. You are here Conditions Sciatica. Although most people recover fully from sciatica, often without treatment, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:. It's not always possible to prevent sciatica, and the condition may recur.

The following can play a key role in protecting your back:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Sciatic nerve Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Sciatic nerve The sciatic nerves branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Herniated disk Open pop-up dialog box Close. Herniated disk The rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae in your spine consist of a soft center nucleus surrounded by a tougher exterior annulus.

Bone spurs on spine Open pop-up dialog box Close. Bone spurs on spine As your spine ages, it's more likely to experience bone spurs or herniated disks. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hsu PS, et al. Lumbosacral radiculopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed June 16,