Sciatica Pain Relief, Symptoms & Causes
Sciatica is one of the most common forms of pain caused by pinching of the spinal nerves in the lower back. In this condition, sciatic leg pain is usually much worse than the back pain where the pinched nerve originates.
The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body; it runs from each side of the lower spine through deep in the buttocks and back of the thigh, and all the way down to the foot. Sciatica commonly describes the symptoms of pain, and possibly numbness or weakness, which radiates along the sciatic nerve.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends 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 extend to the foot or toes.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent but irritating. Pain from sciatica often begins slowly, gradually intensifying over time. In addition, the pain can worsen after prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending, or other sudden movements.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- 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
Common Causes of Sciatica
Common causes of sciatica include:
- Spinal Stenosis --narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back
- Degenerative disc disease -- breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae
- Spondylolisthesis -- a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one
- Pregnancy
- Arthritis in the spine
- Being overweight
- Not exercising regularly
- Wearing high heels
- Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft
