Osteopathy in Central London

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, irritated, or pinched. The most common causes of sciatica include:

Herniated Disc:

The most frequent cause of sciatica is a slipped or herniated disc in the spine. When a disc in the lower back bulges, it can press against the sciatic nerve, causing pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease:

Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs can cause the discs to shrink or harden, leading to nerve compression and inflammation, which results in sciatica.

Spinal Stenosis:

Narrowing the spinal canal can compress the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. This is typically an age-related condition.

Piriformis Syndrome:

The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve as it runs beneath it, leading to sciatica-like symptoms.

Spondylolisthesis

It occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, compressing the sciatic nerve.

Trauma or Injury:

A fall, car accident, or other forms of trauma to the lower spine can lead to sciatica by damaging the vertebrae, discs, or nerves.

Tumours, infections, or other spinal disorders can contribute to sciatica by pressing on the sciatic nerve in rarer cases.