Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis
- Michael A DiGiacomo, DPM
Question
What's the difference between sciatica and spinal stenosis? What steps should be taken to get the correct diagnosis?
Answer
Sciatica is pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. This is typically felt on the back of the thigh and down the back of the leg. There are many potential causes of sciatica. These can include spinal stenosis, a ruptured or bulged disc, direct trauma to the nerve, and slippage of the vertebrae.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the foramina, which is a passageway for nerves to exit the spinal canal. This is often a narrowing caused by osteoarthritis. It does not always cause problems.
The diagnosis of stenosis is done with an X-ray of the affected area of the spine. Sciatica is diagnosed through some simple exam maneuvers and by taking a careful patient history. For instance, on the exam, raising one leg (done by the examiner) while the patient is lying down will often reproduce pain on the side where there is sciatica.
Explore related topics
Related questions
View all questions- Health Q&A
Chronic Back Pain Tests and Treatment
I've been suffering from lower back pain for two years. I've had an MRI, ultrasounds and x-rays, but they can't find anything wrong. However I still have constant pain. What other tests can be done to find the reason for my pain?
- Health Q&A
Sciatic Nerve: Irritation and Pain
Where exactly is the sciatic nerve? I've had a pain under my right buttocks that runs down the back of my leg to about the knee and hasn't gotten any better in over three weeks. Am I on the right track in suspecting sciatica?
- Health Q&A
Bulging Disk vs. Herniated Disk
What is the difference between a bulging disk and a herniated disk?
- Health Q&A
Nerve Damage Symptoms and Treatment
I have pain and numbness across my upper back, in my shoulders, down my arms and through my elbows, wrists and hands. I know I have ulnar nerve damage of some kind. How do I start to ease the pain and numbness so I can sleep and work comfortably?
- Health Q&A
Rotator Cuff Injury and Treatment
My left arm at the shoulder hurts all the time (including lifting things and even when I'm sleeping and turn on that side). I don't recall hurting it in any way. It started hurting several months ago. What could it be and how can I make it stop?