Sciatica from Disc Bulges or Stenosis
The treatment goal for this presentation of sciatica is to remove pressure to the affected nerve root. Because disc bulges typically protrude to the left or right (due to the posterior longitudinal ligament that runs down the center of every vertebrae), the nerve roots most commonly affected are the L4, L5, S1 and S2 nerve roots since they pass over this “bulge zone.” These nerve roots converge to form the sciatic nerve, and if any one of them is compressed it can cause pain, numbness and tingling down the leg.
Don’t forget that stenosis can also be caused by bone spurs and thickened ligaments that narrow the passageways where the nerve roots pass.
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