Page 116 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

This commonly happens in the foramina of the lower lumbar region of the spine and so the pain is perceived
in the sciatic nerve, hence the term sciatica. Sciatica is characterized by pain in the leg, mainly down the
back of the leg but almost always into the foot. It may be exacerbated by coughing. In the cervical
region of the spine the mid to lower foramina are commonly affected and so hand and forearm pain, often
associated with tingling is characteristic. Nerve root pain may be associated with loss of sensation or muscle
weakness. Such features are referred to as "localizing signs".

It is often difficult to distinguish between referred pain and nerve root pain.