Sciatalgies et autres irradiations non discales

Sciatica is defined clinically by clear criteria including location within the distribution of a nerve root, occurrence of the pain upon exertion, marked spinal abnormalities, and often a protracted history of low back symptoms. These well-known criteria provide no information on the cause of the nerve root pain. A detailed medical history, an evaluation of changes in symptoms over time, and in some cases distinctive characteristics of the pain may provide useful orientation. Investigations for a cause should be carried out methodically, and accurate imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging) should be obtained before a diagnosis of “common” sciatica is given. Failure to follow these rules may have devastating consequences in patients with sciatica due to a tumour.