Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by inflammation of the sciatic nerve?

1. Hypertonicity

2. Sciatica

3. Neuralgia

4. Carpal tunnel syndrome

The correct answer is: Sciatica

The condition characterized by inflammation of the sciatic nerve is sciatica. Sciatica refers specifically to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It can occur when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, leading to inflammation and pain. This condition is typically associated with symptoms such as sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, legs, or feet, and can be caused by several factors including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or injury. In contrast, hypertonicity refers to the increased tension or stiffness of the muscles and is not directly related to nerve inflammation. Neuralgia is a general term describing nerve pain but does not specify which nerve is affected; it could refer to any nerve and does not imply inflammation of the sciatic nerve specifically. Carpal tunnel syndrome, while also a nerve condition, is not related to the sciatic nerve and involves the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms in the hand and wrist instead.