Sciatica

Sciatica is a fairly common condition. It is the pain that stems from the lower back and radiates in the buttocks down the back of the leg and occasionally down as far as the toes, through the sciatic nerve system.

The pain experienced can range from being very annoying and niggling, to severe and debilitating agony, usually affecting only one side of the body at a time.

Most people who suffer from sciatica do so because the discs in the backbone become weak, either through age or excessive strain. Other causes include slipped discs, back strain, pregnancy, or even a spinal tumour.

Glossary