Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain

There are many causes for sciatic nerve pain, a condition which is most commonly a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of the sciatica, the pain can be moderate to severe and debilitating. Seeking diagnosis when the symptoms begin can lead to quicker treatment, resulting in faster pain relief for those who suffer from this nerve condition.

Trauma

Incidents such as car accidents, falls and sport injuries can cause direct compression on the nerve roots, resulting in sciatic nerve pain.

Spinal Stenosis

This is a nerve compression disorder that generally affects older people. The sciatic pain will flare up during physical activities such as walking or standing. Relief from the pain comes upon sitting.

Spinal Tumors

This condition is rare, but is a cause of sciatic nerve pain. When tumors are present on the spine, they compress the nerve roots, resulting in sciatic nerve pain.

Herniated Disc

This is the most common reason for sciatic nerve pain and occurs when the gel-like center of the disc compresses the nerve tissue.

Spondylolisthesis

This is a condition in which one vertebra slips over another and becomes displaced, resulting in nerve compression.