[Sciatica and herniated disk. Current aspects of pathophysiology and pain mechanisms].

Pathoanatomical and pathophysiological aspects of spinal nerve roots involved in disk herniation are discussed, and recent advances in our understanding of nerve root physiology and pathophysiology summarised. Evidence is presented suggesting that nerve roots may be affected not only by mechanical compression but also by nucleus pulposus tissue via biochemical mechanisms. Clinical symptoms are also discussed, as are recent findings regarding the diagnosis and treatment of disk herniation and sciatica.