Sciatica Flashcards
What is sciatica?
Irritation of the sciatic nerve
What are the causes of mechanical back pain?
Muscle or ligament sprain
Facet joint dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Herniated disc
Spondylolisthesis
Scoliosis
Degenerative changes
What are the causes of neck pain?
Muscle or ligament strain
Torticollis
Whiplash
Cervical sponylosis
What are the red flag causes of back pain?
Spinal fracture
Cauda equina
Spinal stenosis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Spinal infection
Which spinal nerves form the sciatic nerve?
L4-S3
What nerves does the sciatic nerve divide into?
Common peroneal nerve
Tibial nerve
Where does the sciatic nerve supply sensation to?
Lateral lower leg
Foot
Where does the sciatic nerve supply motor function to?
Posterior thigh
Lower leg
Foot
What are the main causes of sciatica?
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis (anterior displacement of a vertebra out of line with the one below)
What is the presentation of sciatica?
Unilateral pain from the buttock
Pain radiates down the back of the thigh
Paraesthesia
Numbness
Motor weakness
What examination test can be used to diagnose sciatica?
Sciatic scratch test
What is the sciatic scratch test?
Patient lies on their back with their leg straight
The examiner lifts the straight leg until the limit of hip flexion is reached
The examiner dorsiflexes the patients ankle
Sciatica type pain is illicited
What is the management of chronic sciatica?
Amitriptyline
Duloxetine
