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2. Causes of Sciatica
In the simplest terms, pressure on the sciatic nerve results in sciatica. There are a few conditions/ailments that can pinch or press on the sciatic nerve. Herniated disks sometimes cause sciatica, because the spinal cartilage rips and compresses the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis can cause sciatica, because when the spinal canal narrows it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Spondylolisthesis (degenerative disk disorder) can also cause sciatica, because the shifting disks pinch the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder, causes the piriformis muscle (under the glute) to contract causing sciatic pain. There are other causes for sciatica, but these are the most common conditions that result in sciatic pain.
