Sciatica is the condition in which the sciatic nerve,
the largest nerve in the body, is impinged, irritated
or inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. The position
where the sciatic nerve is affected will determine where
the symptoms are felt but it could be anywhere from
the lower back to the lower leg, usually only on one
side of the body.
While there could be a range of sciatica symptoms you
might experience, there are some symptoms that are the
most common. With sciatica, you may experience one or
more of these sciatica symptoms:
Pain in the lower back that may radiate down one
side into the leg or foot.
Pain that is felt in one side of the buttocks.
Numbness or weakness in the foot or toes.
Pain when moving the foot or leg.
Leg or buttocks pain that is exacerbated by sitting.
Pins and needles in the feet or toes.
Tingling or a burning sensation traveling down the
leg or in the foot or toes.
A shooting pain that starts at the lower back or
hip and travels down theback of the thigh into the
lower leg.
The main sciatica symptom is the pain which can vary
from uncomfortable to excruciating. Sciatica pain may
be felt at any point along the sciatic nerve which travels
from the lower spine, through the pelvis, down the back
of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot.
The exact
symptoms are determined by the location of the irritation
or compression of the roots to the sciatic nerve, where
it leaves the spinal cord. While some people experience
back pain with sciatica, it is usually less severe than
the associated hip, leg or foot pain.
The shooting pain that is so often associated with
sciatica can be so severe that the patient is unable
to move. The slightest movement can cause an increase
in the pain and muscles may seize up because of the
tension. It is often experienced after the patient has
been in the same sitting position for an extended time,
like on a road trip, and then goes to stand up or get
out of the car, in our example.
They may be stopped
half-way up by severe shooting pain from the back of
the hip down into the lower leg. This type of sciatica
pain often takes a person by surprise as it is often
not preceded by any other symptoms.
Another common experience with sciatica sufferers is
that they experience sciatica pain after having been
lifting heavy objects or working in a forward bent position
for an extended time, like when gardening. They may
experience pain at the time or it may develop over the
following 12 to 24 hours. This sciatica pain is more
likely to be more like a dull ache or tingling in the
lower leg and foot. Weakness on the affected side is
common.
Sciatica symptoms may be worse after standing for long
periods, at night, when coughing or sneezing or after
walking down stairs or sloping ground. Any unexplained,
severe or sudden pain needs to be investigated by a
medical professional so that a correct diagnosis can
be reached. While some sciatica symptoms are severe
at the time, they are usually relieved with rest, pain
medication and maybe other medication prescribed by
your doctor.
Video:
Sciatica and Disc Herniation Signs and Symptoms
