It is also known assciaticaorlumbar radiculopathy.
The sciatic nerveis the body’s longest nerve.It originates in your lower back and runs behind your legs.
This article will detail the typical symptoms, common causes, and evidence-based treatments associated with sciatic nerve pain.
What Does Sciatica Pain Feel Like?
The symptoms of sciatica can vary greatly from person to person.
Depending on the degree of sciatic nerve compression, the location and intensity of these symptoms can differ.
Others experience the most symptoms while trying to rest at night.
Some people with sciatica complain of pain when straining or holding their breath.
Coughing or sneezing can also trigger sciatica pain.
It is often worse when flexing the lower spine forward, twisting, or bending.
You may feel numbness in a saddle anesthesia pattern (affecting the anus, genitals, and buttocks).
You may also experience the following:
Seek immediate medical care for these symptoms.
Treatment is needed to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
What Causes the Sciatic Nerve to Flare Up?
Several different issues can cause sciatica to develop.
Aherniated discin the low back commonly compresses the sciatic nerve and leads to symptoms.
What Is Sciatica?
Your healthcare provider may recommend one of several treatments meant to help alleviate your symptoms.
This typically involves undergoinga laminectomy or a discectomy procedure.
This surgery usually reduces sciatica symptoms, particularly in the leg.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Several different tests are typically used to diagnose sciatic nerve pain.
This is especially true if you have progressive numbness, tingling, or weakness in any of these areas.
In rare instances, a laminectomy or discectomy surgery may be needed to alleviate the pain.
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