Sciatica/herniated Disc
Basics
Basics
Basics
Description
Description
- Pain that radiates from the back into buttocks and lower extremity distal to knee, with or without sensory or motor deficits:
- 95% sensitive, 88% specific for herniated disc (HD)
- 3–5% lifetime prevalence
- Peaks fourth to fifth decade
- 2–10% of low back pain
- 95% L5 or S1 nerve root
- 90% improve with conservative management
- Radicular symptoms usually resolve within 6 wk
- 5–10% require surgery
Etiology
Etiology
- Protrusion of colloidal gel (nucleus pulposus) through weakened surrounding fibrous capsule (annulus fibrosis)
- Risk factors:
- Smoking
- Repetitive lifting/twisting
- Vehicular/machinery vibration
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
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