Sciatica simply means a problem with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body starting from pelvis passing through buttocks, thighs and backside of the leg and ending near the sole of the feet. Typically sciatica affects only one side of the body or only one leg.

Causes of sciatica:

• Compression of the sciatic nerve: When there is bulging (herniation) of the disc or extra growth of the bone or bone spur of the vertebra it causes compression of the sciatic nerve and this produces symptoms of sciatica.
• Spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the sciatic nerve and causes sciatica.
• Trauma: When there is severe trauma to the body resulting in pelvic fracture it causes sciatica.
• In rare circumstances, the sciatic nerve can be compressed by a tumour or damaged by a disease such as long-term diabetes.