Sciatica what is it

The effects usually wear off in a few months. The number of steroid injections you can receive is limited because the risk of serious side effects increases when the injections occur too frequently.

This option is usually reserved for when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or when you have pain that progressively worsens or doesn't improve with other therapies. Surgeons can remove the bone spur or the portion of the herniated disk that's pressing on the pinched nerve. For most people, sciatica responds to self-care measures. Although resting for a day or so may provide some relief, prolonged inactivity will make your signs and symptoms worse.

Not everyone who has sciatica needs medical care. If your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a month, though, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. 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. Diagnosis During the physical exam, your doctor may check your muscle strength and reflexes. More Information Cortisone shots Diskectomy. Back pain accompanied by pain radiating down one or both legs is sciatica, right?

While that's often the case, several other back problems can be confused for highly common sciatic type pain, according to Kaliq Chang, MD, of Atlantic Spine Center. First, what is sciatica? It's not a condition in itself, but actually a term used to describe symptoms caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, explains Dr.

Chang who is an interventional pain management specialist. All sciatica cases have one thing in common: The pain begins in nerve roots located on either side of the lower spine, but radiates down the spine in a way that can be much worse than back pain alone. Chang says. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, the resulting pain is due to one of several underlying common conditions, Dr.

Get immediate medical care if:. The rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae in your spine consist of a soft center nucleus surrounded by a tougher exterior annulus. A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus.

Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve. As your spine ages, it's more likely to experience bone spurs or herniated disks. These problems can reduce the amount of space available for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disk in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone bone spur on your vertebrae. More rarely, the nerve can be compressed by a tumor or damaged by a disease such as diabetes.

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.