Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy) !
Sciatica is pain, numbness or weakness running down the leg from a pinched or irritated lower-back nerve root, often due to a herniated disc.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
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In the clinical exam
Why it happens
- Pain and temperature: pathways and modulation
- Spinal cord reflexes
- Peripheral nerve: endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium; myelin
What it is
Pain, numbness or weakness radiating down the leg from compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, often from a disc herniation.
Symptoms and signs
- Radiating leg pain below the knee
- Numbness or tingling in a dermatomal pattern
- Possible weakness
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- History and neurological exam
- Imaging
- MRI of the lumbar spine if red flags or persistent symptoms
Treatment
- Conservative
- Most improve with time, activity modification, and physical therapy.
- Surgical
- Discectomy considered for progressive deficit or severe persistent radiculopathy.
Related conditions
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Peripheral artery disease
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Piriformis syndrome
- Mechanical low back pain
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Sciatica (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
