Health is Gold (163): What do you need to know about sciatia?

Sciatica is a condition that can lead to pain in the back and legs. It occurs when pain travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in your lower spine, and travels through your hip and buttock and down the back of your leg to your foot.

Source: dpa/AP Images

The causes of sciatica include spinal injury or trauma, bone spurs or other growths, narrowing of the spinal canal, or tight or swollen muscles in the buttock. In many cases, people can’t pinpoint a specific injury that caused the condition.

Risk factors for sciatica include:

• age-related changes to the spine.
• obesity, which can put extra pressure on the spine.
• occupations where you twist the spine or pick up heavy loads.
• prolonged sitting.
• diabetes, which can increase the risk of nerve damage.