BRAIN TO BODY® SITE GLOSSARY
Sciatic nerve
The Sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, extending from the lower back down to the feet. It originates in the lumbar spine (lower back), runs through the buttocks, and branches out down the legs, ending in the feet. The Sciatic nerve is essential for providing sensation to the thighs, legs, and feet, as well as motor functions to the muscles of the legs and feet.
Sciatica, a common condition associated with the Sciatic nerve, occurs when the nerve is irritated or compressed, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along its path, typically affecting only one side of the body. Various spinal conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome, can lead to Sciatic nerve compression, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of sciatica.
Treatment for Sciatic nerve-related conditions often includes physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery, aimed at relieving pressure on the nerve and addressing the underlying cause of the compression.
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