What is Sciatica?
Sciatica, also known as sciatic neuralgia or sciatica neuritis, can be described as a set of symptoms which include pain caused by general irritation, compression, tingling, numbness or weakness of any 1 of the 5 spinal nerve roots, of each sciatic nerve. The pain can originate in your lower back and then travel through your buttocks and down to the large sciatic nerves at back of your leg. The pain may get worse when you sneeze, sit, or cough. Sciatica may occur suddenly, or it can gradually develop.
Causes of Sciatica
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a slipped or herniated disc in your low back, which can cause pressure on your nerve roots. However, any irritation or compression of the sciatic nerves can also result in sciatica.
Sciatic nerves are actually the largest nerves in your body, and they run from your pelvis, through the buttocks, and all the way down to your legs. Therefore, it is not a wonder that they often tend to cause problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
Symptoms of sciatica include, but are not limited to:
- Hot pain in the buttock, lower back pain, and general numbness.
- Weakness and pain in various parts of your legs and foot.
- Pins and needles sensation.
- Tingling and difficulty controlling or moving your leg.
- Aching at back of your thigh and calf.
- Pain that gets worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.
- Leg pain that’s often characterized by a burning, searing or tingling sensation.
- A sharp pain which might make it hard to walk or even stand up.
- Loss of power to the leg and foot muscles.