ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Compression of which nerve commonly causes sciatica?

1. Ulnar nerve

2. Radial nerve

3. Sciatic nerve

4. Median nerve

The correct answer is: Sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and is responsible for sending signals from the spinal cord to the legs and feet. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can lead to a condition known as sciatica. This compression can stem from various causes, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or impingement by muscles like the piriformis. Symptoms of sciatica typically include pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, often accompanied by numbness or tingling. By understanding that the compression of the sciatic nerve is the root cause of sciatica, it becomes clearer how crucial it is to identify and address this nerve's condition for effective pain management and rehabilitation strategies. Knowledge of this condition is vital for personal trainers as they assist clients in modifying exercises and daily activities to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.