Symptoms Of Sciatica
Sciatica has many symptoms that go hand and hand with it. Some patients will only exhibit a few of them. Others will have just about all of them on the list. Understanding what these symptoms are will help you to identify them should you be suffering from Sciatica. Make sure you keep a diary of the symptoms you experience, how long they lasted, and the severity of the pain. This way you can share that information with your doctor.
Where is the Pain?
With Sciatica, the pain will generally be on one side of the body. It is most common in the lower back area. However, it can also be affecting the buttocks, lower legs, and down the spine. The pain can reach as far down as the back of the calves. It is going to follow the path of the nerves that have been affected.
What will the Pain Feel Like?
The pain will vary in how it affects you. It may only be a sharp pain now and then but it definitely gets your attention. Many people claim it feels like a burning sensation or a jolt of electricity shooting through the body. The pain can be chronic too which is extremely uncomfortable. Most people will experience the pain when they sit for long periods of time.
The pain will generally start out in the back and then move on down. As it moves on down that is a sign that the Sciatica nerve damage has increased. Should you find it is painful to bend over, to carry a small child, or to sit for long periods of time then you definitely want to get it looked into.
Numbing and Tingling
Both numbing and tingling in areas of the back, legs, and buttocks are symptoms of Sciatica. The numbness and tingling can travel all the way down to your feet as well. The tingling often feels like you do after your leg or arm has fallen asleep. However, it can be a very sharp pins and needles type of tingling that lasts for several minutes. It isn’t uncommon for pain to be felt in one area and then either numbness or tingling in another at the same time.
Inability to Control Bladder or Bowel Movements
With very severe cases, a person will lose control over their bladder as well as their bowel movements. If that is the case, immediate medical attention is needed. If you find the pain gets worse when you are coughing or sneezing it is likely to be due to Sciatica. This is due to the added pressure on these nerves when your body goes through those actions.
Seeking Medical Treatment for Sciatica
Should you recognize the symptoms of Sciatica as something you or someone you know has, seek medical treatment for it. This is a symptom of other medical concerns so make sure you don’t let it continue without seeing a doctor. There are a variety of methods of treatment that can be offered to you depending on what the medical findings end up being.
