The right and left sciatic nerves each control functions on the ipsilateral (same) side of the body.
Sciatic nerve pain, which is often referred to assciatica, is very common and has many causes.
Anatomy
The sciatic nerve is a peripheral nerve.
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Its nerve roots emerge from the lower spine and combine to form the sciatic nerve.
Many of its branches provide nerve stimulation to the muscles in the legs.
Sensory nerves throughout the leg and foot travel up the leg to merge with the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is formed by a total of five spinal nerves that combine with each other.
Two of these nervesthe L4 and L5 nerve rootsemerge from the lower lumbar sections of the spine.
The tibial nerve is primarily a motor nerve, and the fibular nerve is primarily a sensory nerve.
Function
The sciatic nerve controls most movement and sensation throughout the leg and foot.
Sensation is detected by small sensory nerves located in the feet and legs.
Motor
Motor branches of the sciatic nerve stimulate muscles of the leg.
These small nerves merge into the main branch of the sciatic nerve as they travel up the leg.
Herniated Disc
The spine is a column of bones with cartilaginous discs in between them.
When a disc herniates (moves out of place), it can compress a sciatic nerve root.
A herniated disc can berepaired surgically, and sometimestherapycan relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Other treatments include anti-inflammatory medication and injection or steroids or pain medication near the affected area.
Treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and therapy.
This key in of disease is described as neuropathy, and it can affect nerves throughout the body.
Neuropathy often causes symptoms such as pain, tingling, or a burning sensation.
As it worsens and advances, it causes sensory loss.Late stage advanced neuropathy may also causeweakness.
These growths can be removed surgically or treated with chemotherapy or radiation.
Infection
An infection of the pelvic region can involve the sciatic nerve.
Infections that are treated with antimicrobials such as antibiotics can improve before causing permanent nerve damage.
Physical therapy is a useful method of managing mild to moderate sciatic nerve compression and irritation.
Anti-inflammatory medications can be useful as well.
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