The Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors for Sciatica

Sciatica is pain radiating from your lower back, through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. The pain occurs when bone overgrowth or a herniated disc puts pressure on the part of the sciatic nerve – the longest nerve in your body. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, you experience inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness in the affected leg. The pain associated with Fair Lawn sciatica can be severe, but most cases improve or clear up with a treatment in a few weeks. You may require surgery for severe symptoms like leg weakness or bowel and bladder changes.

Symptoms of sciatica

Sciatica pain occurs anywhere along the spine; it follows a path from the low back through the buttock and back of the thigh. The pain varies from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain which can sometimes feel like a jolt or electric shock. Any activity that causes straining, including coughing and sneezing, worsens the pain. You may also experience intense pain when you sit or stand for long periods. Sciatica pain usually affects one side of the body but can occur on both sides.

You may also experience numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. One part of the leg can be painful and the other part numb.

Mild sciatica symptoms usually resolve independently or with self-care measures. Consider calling your primary care provider if you don’t find relief with simple remedies. You should also seek medical attention if you have severe pain that lasts more than a week. The following are signs for you to get immediate medical care.

• Sudden and severe low back pain.
• Pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in a leg
• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica pain often results from a pressed or compressed sciatic nerve. The cause can be a herniated disc in the spine, or bone overgrowth, also called bone spurs. A herniated disc occurs when the disc nucleus pushes through a tear or weak spot on the annulus, pressing on some nerve roots. Although rare, a tumor can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Diseases like diabetes that cause nerve damage can also cause sciatica.

Risk factors for sciatica

• Obesity. Being overweight increases stress or pressure on your spine and puts you at risk of sciatica. Losing weight can help minimize sciatica pain and other symptoms. If you are overweight, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle adjustments like eating healthy and exercising to help you lose extra pounds.
• Age. As you grow older, your spine changes due to wear and tear. For example, you may have bone spurs or several herniated discs along your spine.
• Diabetes. Diabetes is a long-term health problem that affects how your body utilizes blood sugar or glucose. Over time, or when left uncontrolled, it can cause nerve damage.
• Occupation. Jobs that require heavy lifting or twisting the back contribute to sciatica.

Sciatica can damage nerves, hence why treatment is essential. If you have sciatic pain, visit your doctor at Alliance Spine Associates, LLC, for treatment to improve your quality of life.