Definition
Pain radiating along the course of the sciatic nerve or its roots. Sciatica is usually due to a compression of the L5 or S1 nerve roots, often caused by a herniated disc, sometimes by bone compression (related to arthrosis, pelvic fracture, hip dislocation or excessively small calibre of the lumbar spinal canal), tumour (vertebral tumour, neurinoma, nerve root tumour, pelvic tumour) or inflammatory nature (spondylodiscitis). If only the fifth lumbar root is affected, the pain affects the back of the thigh, the outside of the leg, the back of the foot, the big toe; if the first sacral root is involved, it radiates to the calf, the heel, the sole, and the outer edge of the foot. If both nerve roots are involved, it extends from the buttock to the foot.
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