Sciatic Nerve in the Pelvis



After the nerves exit the spinal canal and form the sciatic nerve, the sciatic nerve runs through the pelvis into the leg. Since the nerves are in the back of the abdomen (especially the femoral nerve derived from L2, L3, L4 spinal nerves) and in the pelvis, problems from within those structures could effect the sciatic nerve.

Potential Problems in the Pelvis
Tumors
Aneurysms (ballooning of a big blood vessel)
Trauma (example is a pelvis fracture)
Infection
Ischemia (lack of blood flow to the nerve)
Ob-Gyn (endometriosis, cysts, etc)
After Radiation

Although less common as reasons for sciatica, these potential causes may be considered in patients with leg pain.