Say Goodbye to Back Pain

In classic sciatica, the pain originates in the buttock and radiates down the back or side
of the thigh to the calf and foot. Tingling or numbness is felt in the calf or foot.
Conditions that can give rise to sciatica are:

a. Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc

b. Osteoarthritis of the spine

c. Spondylolisthesis of a lumbar vertebra

d. Tuberculosis of the spine

e. Piriformis syndrome

f. Tumors of the spinal column – including secondary malignant deposits

g. Tumors of the spinal cord or cauda equina

h. Tumors of the sacrum or ilium

i. Pelvic tumors

The first three conditions have already been discussed. The others are less common
causes and will be described later on in this chapter. A dramatic sudden onset is always
suggestive of a mechanical derangement and especially of a herniated disc, whereas pain
that gradually increases without any relief suggests a progressive disease such as a
tumor, infection or arthritis.