How Does Sciatica Make You Feel?

Sciatica symptoms are most typically noticed along the major sciatic nerve's course. One or both of the following characteristics are common in sciatica:

Pain.Sciatica pain is characterized by a persistent burning feeling or a shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks to the front or back of the thigh, leg, and/or foot.

Numbness. Numbness in the side of the thigh may accompany sciatica pain. Tingling and/or weakness are common side effects.

Symptoms that are just on one side. One leg is usually affected by sciatica. The afflicted limb typically feels heavy as a result of the ailment. 1 Both legs might well be affected in rare cases.

Symptoms caused by posture. Symptoms of sciatica may be exacerbated by sitting, standing up, leaning forward, bending the spine, sleeping down, and coughing. Walking or using a hot pack to the back of the pelvis might help ease discomfort.

Sciatica is a symptom of a more serious medical problem.

Sciatica is a phrase that describes a group of symptoms induced by a medical disease; it is not a medical diagnosis.

One of the most common medical problems that might induce sciatica is:

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Stenosis of the lumbar spine
• General degenerative alterations in vertebrae or discs, lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• lumbar and/or pelvic muscular spasms and/or inflammation
• Sacroiliac joint problems
• Sciatica can be caused by tumors, blood clots, or other problems in the lower spine.

Sciatica symptoms can range from mild and inconvenient to severe and incapacitating. The symptoms vary depending on which spinal nerve root is inflamed and/or squeezed at the sciatic nerve's origin. One or more nerve roots might be damaged at the same time.

Sciatica symptoms extend from the lower spine to the buttocks, thighs, and legs. Pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness are common symptoms. Video on Sciatica Causes and Symptoms

While certain symptoms are unique to nerve roots, others are universal to all forms of sciatica.

Sciatica Signs and Symptoms

Sciatica usually affects just one leg at a time, with symptoms radiating down the leg from the lower spine or buttock. Sciatica can cause thigh and leg discomfort in the front, back, and/or sides. The following are some of the most prevalent sciatica symptoms:

Pain. Sciatica pain can be persistent or sporadic. A scorching sense or a sharp, shooting pain are common descriptions of the discomfort. In comparison to the back, leg discomfort is frequently more severe. Leg discomfort is more frequent in the calf area below the knee than in other areas of the leg.

A different sensation. The back of the leg may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling.

Weakness. Leg and foot weakness may be experienced. The afflicted limb may feel heavy, making it difficult to lift the foot off the floor.

A change in posture can either exacerbate or alleviate discomfort. Certain positions can help with sciatica pain:

Sciatica pain can be exacerbated by sitting, trying to stand up, walking for an extended period, bending the vertebrae forward, twisting the spine, and coughing.

While lying down, pain may rise or remain persistent, disrupting sleep.

1 In such circumstances, sleeping on your back with your knees slightly lifted and propped up with a cushion, or lying on your side with a pillow between your legs, may help ease the discomfort.

Walking, placing a hot pack on the back of the pelvic region, or practicing pelvic exercises can help ease discomfort.