It is common for patients with sciatica to experience pain in the lower back, hips, and buttocks, as well as down each leg. If you have sciatica, it usually only affects one leg. Several factors can cause sciatica, including a herniated disc, an enlarged bone spur, or a spine narrowing. Inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness are common side effects in the affected limb. Check out https://kdmshospital.com/article/sciatica-pain/ to know more about sciatica.
Non-operative treatments usually alleviate sciatica pain within a few weeks, even when severe. Surgeons may be able to help people with severe sciatica who are experiencing significant leg weakness or changes to their bowel or bladder.
Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy which is a numbness or tingling sensation that radiates down one’s lower leg. It’s possible that the pain could be anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it’s more likely to travel from the low back down to the buttocks, thighs, and calves.
The pain levels can vary from burning or stabbing sensation to a dull ache. It’s not uncommon to experience a brief jolt or electric shock while using it. Prolonged sitting can worsen the symptoms, especially if you cough or sneeze.
Other Symptoms Include
- Numbness
- Weakness In Affected Leg/Foot
- Tingling
In some conditions, the pain may be in one area of your leg and the numbness elsewhere.
When To See A Doctor?
In most cases, the symptoms of mild sciatica fade away over time. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, seek immediate medical attention.
- Pain and numbness or weakness in your lower limbs occur suddenly and unexpectedly.
- The pain causes an accident.
- Controlling the bowels or bladder becomes difficult.
Causes
The sciatic nerve can become compressed and inflamed because of a herniated disc or vertebrae bone overgrowth. Tumors and diseases such as diabetes can rarely damage or compress the nerve.
Factors That Increase The Risk
Several factors can cause sciatica, including:
- Herniated discs and bone spurs, more common as people age, are the most common causes of sciatic pain.
- Excess weight puts additional strain on your spine, leading to spinal changes that cause sciatica.
- Work that requires twisting, carrying heavy loads, or driving for extended periods may play a role in the development of sciatica.
- There is an increased risk of developing sciatica in people who sit for long periods or lead sedentary lifestyles.
- Diabetes patients are likely to suffer from mote nerve damage.
