Pathophysiology of sciatica.
The exact pathophysiologic mechanisms behind sciatica are incompletely known; however, compression of spinal nerve roots is known to be correlated to both pain and neural dysfunction in a segmental distribution of that specific nerve root. Compression per se may impair the transport of nutrients to the nerve tissue in such a way that affects the nerve root function. There also might be a local affect on nerve roots or root sleeves by substances leaking from the degenerated intervertebral discs.
Olmarker
K
K
Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgren Hospital, Gothenburg University, Sweden.
Rydevik
B
B
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012585:Sciatica / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*