Question: What is sciatica

Answer: Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve path due to sciatic nerve injury or irritation. The most common cause of sciatica is compression of the sciatic nerve root by a herniated disc in the spine. Classically, the pain affects one side of the body and radiates from the buttock down the back of the leg to below the knee. The pain can be described as burning or stabbing and may be accompanied by paresthesia (tingling), numbness, or weakness. Symptoms may worsen with twisting, bending, sneezing, or coughing. It is typically diagnosed based on the characteristic pain and a physical examination. Diagnostic imaging studies may be recommended if symptoms persist for >6 weeks or weakness or numbness is experienced. The risk of developing sciatica can be reduced by maintaining good posture and healthy weight, regular exercise, muscle strengthening exercises, and proper lifting techniques. Mild sciatica usually resolves in a few weeks. The following conservative approaches may help relieve pain and speed up recovery: cold or heat packs, over-the-counter analgesics, physiotherapy, and starting gentle exercise as soon as tolerated. Contact your healthcare advisor if symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, worsen, or stop you from doing your normal activities. Seek immediate medical attention for severe pain, numbness, or weakness in both legs or problems controlling bowel or bladder function.

Key facts the answer must include:
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve due to sciatic nerve injury or irritation.
 The most common cause of sciatica is compression of the sciatic nerve root by a herniated disc in the spine.
 Sciatica classically affects only one side and radiates from the buttock down the back of the leg to below the knee.
 Sciatica may be accompanied by paresthesia (tingling), numbness or weakness.
 Contact your healthcare advisor if symptoms of sciatica do not improve after a few weeks, worsen or stop you doing your normal activities.
 Seek immediate medical attention for severe pain, numbness or weakness in both legs, or problems controlling bowel or bladder function.
 If symptoms of sciatica persist for more than 6 weeks or weakness or numbness is experienced, diagnostic imaging studies may be recommended.
Additional relevant facts: Cold or heat packs may help relieve pain and speed up recovery from sciatica.
 Starting gentle exercise as soon as tolerated may help relieve pain and speed up recovery from sciatica.
 Using proper lifting techniques can reduce the risk of developing sciatica.
 Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing sciatica.
 Mild sciatica usually resolves in a few weeks.
 Muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of developing sciatica.
 The pain from sciatica can be described as burning or stabbing.
 Symptoms of sciatica may worsen with twisting, bending, sneezing or coughing.
 The risk of developing sciatica can be reduced by maintaining good posture and healthy weight.
 Sciatica is typically diagnosed based on the characteristic pain and a physical examination.
 Physiotherapy may help relieve pain and speed up recovery from sciatica.
 Over-the-counter analgesics may help relieve pain and speed up recovery from sciatica.