Sciatica – pain, weakness, numbness, and other discomfort along the path of the sciatic nerve – often accompanies low back pain, which afflicts every adult from time to time, costing billions of dollars in healthcare and more lost days of work than anything but the common cold. Low back pain and sciatica can baffle physicians and other medical professionals, arising without warning and continuing for long periods of time.

Sciatica is a symptom of a problem at some point along the sciatic nerve rather than an ailment in and of itself. A herniated disc in the back, spinal stenosis and piriformis syndrome are medical disorders that can cause sciatica. Individuals who have sciatica are often crippled by it, and are driven to seek relief from conventional medical treatment, alternative therapies, and "miracle" cures.

Our aim is to promote understanding for healthcare professionals and for the general public by providing access to basic scientific and practical information which may help with diagnostic and treatment decisions involving sciatica. We also perform research studies to learn more about diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this ubiquitous condition.

We hope this site is helpful. It is for your information, but is not intended to replace a physician's examination and subsequent advice. Please consult a physician before embarking on any course of diagnosis or treatment.
DANGER SIGNS: SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT ONCE IF YOU EXPERIENCE:

  • • LOSS OF CONTROL OF BOWEL OR BLADDER
  • • INCREASING WEAKNESS IN THE TRUNK, BUTTOCKS OR LEGS
  • • NUMBNESS THAT ASCENDS FROM TOES OR FEET
  • • ANY OF THE ABOVE, WITH FEVER OR FORCEFUL VOMITING