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Pain is the body's way of warning us that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. When the sciatic nerve issues this warning, the pain can be felt anywhere from the lower back to the legs and can range in intensity from a mild discomfort to severe pain. In fact, the sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, and any disturbance in its path can cause significant problems. If you are also facing sciatica pain and want to know the cause of sciatica and the factors involved in its formation, ask your doctor to stay with us until the end of this article.
The most important cause of sciatica
The most important cause of sciatica is pressure or irritation of the nerve roots in the lower back. Any factor that narrows the space or puts pressure on these nerve roots can disrupt nerve messages and cause sciatica pain. For this reason, problems that change the normal structure of the vertebrae, discs, or spinal canal are the most common causes of sciatic nerve pain. they become Factors such as the following may be stressed and damaged:
-
Lumbar disc herniation or protrusion
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Lower back arthritis
- Vertebral slippage
English text:
Sciatica is a relatively common condition with a lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40%.
Persian translation:
Sciatica is a relatively common condition and its lifetime incidence varies between 13% and 40%. href="https://academic.oup.com/bja/article-abstract/99/4/461/305514?redirectedFrom=fulltext&__cf_chl_rt_tk= FU5qCJXiGI98fB8cSQkTD945FlxjfH.rornlYumDlkA-1764430623-1.0.1.1-kWPlFsaa2iyV3lO.6.qF.Q8ILxkttxywMyZxH0H.0Qs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">academic
1. Lumbar disc herniation (the most common cause of sciatica)
Lumbar herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica. This problem usually occurs in older age due to the natural erosion of the spine, but it may also occur at a younger age and even when doing everyday tasks (such as improperly lifting heavy objects).
In the normal state, the spine consists of discs that are placed between the vertebrae and act as a protective cushion so that the vertebrae do not rub against each other.
Each disc consists of a soft inner part and a hard outer layer. When the inner soft tissue pushes against the outer layer and partially protrudes, it can press on the lumbar/sacral nerve roots that connect to the sciatic nerve and cause shooting pain in the leg.
2. Back arthritis and spinal canal stenosisArthritis Back and spine is a condition that causes the wear and thinning of the cartilages and discs between the vertebrae and reduces the space between the vertebrae. This situation increases the pressure on the joints and ligaments of the spine and causes inflammation in the lower back. As a result, the space around the sciatic nerve is limited and this nerve may be under pressure.
Spinal stenosis also occurs when the spinal canal in the lumbar region becomes narrower than normal and puts pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve. The pain caused by this condition is usually tingling, numb or dull, because the pressure is directly on the nerve roots. Both of these complications are more common in the elderly and are considered important causes of sciatica pain.
3. Vertebral slip
Vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis) occurs when one of the lumbar vertebrae is displaced or slightly tilted relative to the vertebra below it. This condition may be caused by injury, weakness of spinal ligaments or natural body wear and aging. When the vertebrae are out of place, they can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and lead to sciatica pain.
Sciatica caused by problems outside the spine
Sometimes the cause of sciatica is not only related to the spine, and factors outside the spine or changes in other parts of the body can also play a role in the occurrence of this complication and provide the basis for the occurrence of sciatica pain. Among the most important factors, the following can be mentioned:
1. Piriformis syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is a painful disorder in which the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttock and connects the spine to the top of the femur, contracts or tightens involuntarily. This important muscle has the task of rotating the pelvis and moving the legs outward.
Since the piriformis muscle is located exactly on the sciatic nerve and in some people the nerve even passes through it, any contraction or stiffness of this muscle can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica pain.
Symptoms of piriformis syndrome usually include dull pain in the buttock, limitation of hip motion, and pain when climbing stairs. Also, sitting for a long time can aggravate this pain.
2. Pregnancy and pelvic changes
Pregnancy is one of the main causes of sciatica and back pain. During this period, the body experiences many changes and the extra pressure caused by the weight of the fetus can affect the structure of the back and pelvis.
This pressure sometimes compresses the sciatic nerve and causes pain, shooting or numbness in the legs. Of course, there is no need to worry because in most cases, with proper care and simple treatments, sciatica pain in pregnancy usually resolves after the end of this period.
Any factor that causes abnormal pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. Impacts and injuries such as sports events, car accidents, falls, falls from a height or even broken bones may put pressure on this nerve or damage it.
In some cases, the sciatic nerve may be unintentionally damaged during hip or hip surgeries. Also, inflammation, swelling or creation of scar tissue after these surgeries can cause pain and sciatica symptoms by narrowing the space around the nerve.
4. Masses and tumors
In rare cases, the presence of a tumor or mass in the path of the sciatic nerve can cause pressure on this nerve and cause pain. These tumors may be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are usually slow growing, but they can still put pressure on the sciatic nerve if they grow.
Fortunately, these tumors are easily surgically removed in most cases and rarely cause permanent nerve damage. On the other hand, malignant tumors that grow more aggressively can also cause sciatica pain. Of course, these tumors can be controlled if diagnosed early, and the pressure caused by them on the sciatic nerve can be reduced.| Cause of sciatica | Reason affecting the sciatic nerve |
|---|---|
| Pressure on the nerve roots of the back (the most important cause) | Compression of the nerve roots that continue from the back to the leg. |
| Hernia or Protrusion of the lumbar disc | Protrusion of the soft part of the disc causes direct pressure on the sciatic nerve. |
| Spinal canal stenosis | The narrowing of the spinal canal limits the space around the roots of the sciatic nerve. |
| Lum arthrosis | Wearing of discs and cartilages causes a decrease in space and pressure on the nerve. |
| Vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis) | Displacement of the vertebrae causes mechanical pressure on the sciatic nerve. |
| Piriformis syndrome | Contraction or stiffness of the piriformis muscle, which is located on the sciatic nerve. |
| Pregnancy and changes Pelvis | Weight gain and pelvic changes compress the sciatic nerve. |
| Strike, fracture or hip and hip surgery | Injury, inflammation or scar tissue narrows the space around the nerve. |
| Masses and tumors | The growth of a mass along the path of the sciatic nerve causes direct pressure on it. |
| Increasing age and aging | Narrowing of the spinal canal and decreasing the distance between the discs over time |
| Overweight and obesity | Increasing pressure on the spine and protruding discs |
| Diabetes and neuropathy | Nerve damage and nerve dysfunction, causing secondary pressure |
| Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting | Weakness of back muscles and gradual damage of discs |
| Severe or improper physical activities | Excessive pressure on the back and irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve |
Diseases and underlying factors that increase the risk of sciatica
Sometimes some diseases and underlying conditions can directly or indirectly increase the risk of sciatica because by affecting the spine or nerves, they increase the possibility of damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Among the most important factors, the following can be mentioned:
1. Age and aging process
Many causes of sciatica are related to aging. In fact, with age, the spinal canal becomes narrower and the distance between the discs decreases, and these changes can put pressure on the nerves (including the sciatic nerve) over time. In addition, the sedentary lifestyle of the elderly also increases this risk.2. Overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity are common factors in the occurrence of sciatica today. In fact, the spine depends on a set of muscles in the mid-body and back to maintain its stability, flexibility and strength. But when the body bears more weight (especially in the abdomen and waist), these muscles are under more pressure.
This pressure is more intense in the lumbar region, which is one of the most sensitive parts of the spine, and can cause displacement or protrusion of discs. As a result, the sciatic nerve is pressed and pain occurs.
3. Diabetes and neuropathy
People with diabetes are exposed to a complication called diabetic neuropathy; A type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. This injury mostly affects the nerves of the leg and leg and causes numbness, weakness and disturbance in the sensation of the leg.
In this situation, the balance and movement of the person is also affected by the weakening and dysfunction of the nerves of the legs. This issue can put more pressure on the lower back and sciatic nerve pathways and increase the possibility of sciatica pains.
4. Sedentary lifestyle and long sitting
Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting are other common causes of sciatica. These habits cause damage to the intervertebral discs and weakness of the back muscles. As a result, over time, they increase the pressure on the sciatic nerve and lead to pain in the back, pelvis and legs.
5. Vigorous or wrong physical activities
Doing intense and stressful activities, whether in sports or in jobs that require frequent lifting of objects or repetitive movements, without proper posture or adequate support, can put pressure on the back muscles. This pressure may tear muscles and ligaments and irritate the sciatic nerve. Fortunately, this risk can be significantly reduced by following correct techniques, maintaining proper body shape and using support equipment.
English text:
Many cases of sciatica go away within four to six weeks without needing professional medical treatment. target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my.clevelandclinic
Conclusion
Sciatica is one of the common problems that many people face at least once in their life. A wide range of factors can play a role in the occurrence of sciatica, including lumbar disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, lumbar arthritis, and vertebral slippage. But sometimes the root of the problem is beyond the spine and is related to things like piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, trauma or even a tumor. However, there is no need to worry because an orthopedic specialist is able to diagnose the cause of sciatica by examining you carefully and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan to remove pressure from this nerve to regain your health.
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