This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve
roots in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips,
buttocks, legs and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause
symptoms in these areas. Sciatica may result from a variety of
problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.
Causes
Herniated Disc
One common cause is a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a rupture
in the fibrous outer wall of a vertebral disc, which allows the soft
nucleus of the disc to bulge outward. This bulge can press harmfully
against a nerve root.
-Degenerative Disc Disease
Another common cause of nerve root injury is degenerative disc
disease. It occurs when a spinal disc weakens, allowing vertebral
bones above and below the disc to shift out of position. The bones
can touch, pinching nearby nerve roots.
-Spinal Stenosis-
When bones, discs or joints of the spine degenerate, bony spurs may
form and push into the spinal canal or foramen space. This is called
spinal stenosis, and it can also create harmful pressure against the
nerve roots.
Symptoms
Nerve root injury may occur at any of the five vertebrae in the lumbar
spine (called the L1 through L5), or at the level of the sacrum (the
upper portion of which is called the S1). Symptoms may include pain,
weakness, numbness and tingling, and may vary depending on the
level of the injury. For example, an injury at the L2 level can create
thigh pain and hip weakness. An injury at the L3 level may result in
thigh pain and knee and thigh weakness. Damage at the L4 level may
cause pain from the lower back to the foot and also foot weakness.
Damage at the L5 level can create pain from the outer leg to the top
of the foot and also foot weakness. And finally, damage at the S1 level
can create pain from the calf to the outer foot and also foot
weakness.
