Sciatica Symptoms

There are definitely specific symptoms that can be relative to sciatica. Sciatic symptoms can be exceptionally severe and even debilitating for some people while for other people it may just be irritating or infrequent.

Some causes of sciatica include but are not limited to lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, being overweight, lack of exercise, pregnancy, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a soft mattress.

Sciatic pain may include knee or foot weaknesses. Difficulty walking, with severe cases you may be unable to move the foot and/or unable to bend the knee(s). There can be changes in sensations of the sole of the foot, or back of the calf. It may be numbness or decreased sensation, a burning sensation or tingling, abnormal sensations, and mild to severe pain.

Pain radiating from your lower lumbar region of the spine through the buttocks and down the posterior of the legs is the most common characteristic of sciatic pain. The discomfort may be felt just about anywhere along the sciatic nerves' path. The most common route is from the lower back through your rear and the backside of your upper and lower leg. Sciatic nerve pain varies widely. It can be a mild ache to sharp burning sensations or even excruciating discomfort. Some even describe it as being like an electric shock or jolt. Normally it only affects one of the lower extremities.

The most widespread symptom of sciatica is pain. Most people describe severe and deep pain starting on one side of the lower back and then shooting down their rear and leg during certain movements. This described pain often gets worse during prolonged standing and sitting. Some people will say the worst of the pain comes when attempting to stand up from lower sitting positions such as in rising from the commode.

Quite a few, report that their pain is exacerbated by coughing, laughing, sneezing, and hard bowel movements. Leaning backwards will make the pain worse as well. In addition to the pain, you can become aware of weakness in a leg or foot. This weakness may be so severe that it becomes impossible to move your foot. Muscle weakness or numbness by way of the nerve pathway may be apparent as weakness in one area, numbness in another and pain in yet another. Tingling or a sense of pins-and-needles may be felt in part of your foot or toes.

A more rude sciatic symptom of pain is the loss of bowel or bladder control. The sign is called cauda equine syndrome, though rare but aserious problem that needs emergency attention. If this is your case with either of these symptoms this is an emergency and get medical attention as soon as possible.