The sciatic nerve (ischiatic nerve) is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back to the back of the upper leg, up to the foot.
Sciatica is a nerve pain caused by irritability, inflammation or damage to the nerve. Sciatica can be caused by pressure on the nerve, for example, due to pregnancy or by having the wrong posture which is taxing for the back.
Although the symptoms of sciatica vary, most of the symptoms are often felt in the back, legs and buttocks. You will find the 5 symptoms of sciatica that everyone should be aware of below:
1. Lower back pain
Lower back pain is often one of the first symptoms that people with sciatica experience. The pain ranges from light to severe and has a stinging and burning sensation. The shooting pains can make it difficult to stand up straight. In addition to the pain, you may also have other symptoms, such as muscle weakness, numbness or a tingling in the leg, foot or toes.
2. Pain in the rear of leg
Another part of the body that experiences pain due to sciatica are the legs, and especially the back of the legs. As in the case of lower back pain, the cause is the vertebral disc pressing on the lumbar roots. The result is often a sharp pain that gets worse with movement. It is important to get enough medication to treat the symptoms. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary to achieve a full recovery.
3. Hip pain
Hip pain is a common complaint from people with sciatica. It’s usually caused by inflammation around the hip nerve. The inflammation can be caused by pain in the lower back, especially around the L4 or L5 vertebra. When it comes to the hips, the inflammation is often deep rather than superficial. It is recommended to try out simple, relieving yoga exercises to treat inflammation and to deal with the pain in the hip.
4. Burning in the leg
Many sciatica patients report a burning sensation as a symptom. This can occur in different parts of the body, but will most probably appear in the legs because this is the part of the body where the nerve is most affected. Some people describe the sensation like pins and needles, similar to what you would feel if your legs fell asleep after sitting down for a long time.
5. Weakness in the leg
Sciatica can make it difficult to move. This is due to damage or inflammation of the nerves in the lower back. Decreased muscle strength may occur in both legs, although most people feel decreased muscle strength in just one leg. You can also experience numbness in one or both legs. Movement of the legs tends to be difficult. It is recommended to walk slowly if you experience sciatica. If your symptoms get worse over time, you may need surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage.
6. Difficulty moving the leg
Nerve damage as a result of sciatica can cause problems when moving the legs. Sometimes, only one leg is affected, but it is not unusual to experience it in both legs. Patients often describe difficulties moving the leg in certain directions. It can also be difficult bending the knee.
7. Nerve pain in the lower back
One of the first symptoms people with a suspected sciatica condition experience is the sudden shooting pain. They can often feel such pain while carrying out heavy physical activities. Some are more prone to pain when standing in a particular position or doing a certain movement, such as bending down. Usually, shooting pain appears in the lower back due to the inactivity of a person.
