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Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) - Background information
What is it?
- Sciatica is the term for symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness which arise from nerve root compression or irritation in the lumbosacral spine and are felt in the distribution of the nerve root. Symptoms of sciatica typically extend to below the knee — from the buttocks, across the back of the thigh, to the outer calf, and often to the foot and toes [Koes et al, 2007].
- 'Nerve root pain' and 'radicular pain' are alternative names for sciatica.
- Sciatica and non-specific low back pain can occur together. When they do, the symptoms of sciatica tend to be the main problem.
- A number of conditions can cause sciatica — see Causes.
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