Overview of sciatica causes and symptoms

The sciatic nerve is the longest & largest in the body. Sciatica sufferers have severe pain along the sciatic nerve, usually the back of legs & thighs, sometimes the ankle, foot & toes. In some sufferers, unfortunately, both legs are affected.

Sciatica is torture to sufferers, sleeping, sitting, walking, bending, turning or standing up may be difficult or impossible.

Sciatica—pain along the large sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg—is a relatively common form of low back pain and leg pain.

Sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve, slipped disk, etc.). The problem is often diagnosed as a "radiculopathy", meaning that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root), which connects with the sciatic nerve.

Understanding sciatica pain
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.

One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:

Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting

Burning or tingling down the leg

Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot

A constant pain on one side of the rear

A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) will result. Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of paralysis.

Symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency include progressive weakness in the legs or bladder/bowel incontinence. Patients with these symptoms may have cauda equina syndrome and should seek immediate medical attention.

Any condition that causes irritation or impingement on the sciatic nerve can cause the pain associated with sciatica. The most common cause is lumbar herniated disc. Other common causes of sciatica include lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or isthmic spondylolisthesis.

 

Take this simple test.

Have you had a "weak back" for years?

Do you have a recurring back problem?

Have you had long periods of cyclic, mild low back pain?

Does lifting a grocery bag, a misstep, or bending cause you pain?

When you cough or sneeze, does a sharp pain tear through your body?

Do you have to change positions often to get rest?

Does your legs ache painfully at the end of a long day?

If you answered YES to any 2 of these questions, then you are suffering needlessly from Sciatica.

Call our office today to schedule and appointment for a more detailed analysis of this condition.