Research Updates

The lowdown on leg pain or sciatica

Tom Wells-Quinn

Researchers still argue about how common sciatica is, and precisely how it should be defined. One thing is clear: it's a warning sign of struggles ahead for a worker with back pain...

Take Home Messages: Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg, and sometimes into the foot and toes. It is caused by nerves being compressed or irritated as they exit the spine. It is most commonly seen when there are disc problems in the lower back. Populations who work in physical jobs such as labouring are more likely to report sciatica than those in less active work. Sciatica in the presence of low back pain predicts a ...

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