Sciatica pain is typically characterized by many different kinds of symptoms. Over time, this pain could get worse and possibly become incapacitating. Certain postures, exercises, and/or drugs may help ease the discomfort, which may come and go or persist for prolonged lengths of time.
Sciatica Is Lumbar Radiculopathy
Pain resulting from compression of a spinal nerve root is referred to as radiculopathy. When one or more nerve roots from L4 to S3 are inflamed or compressed as a result of spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, or herniated discs, sciatica results. The common location of radicular discomfort from the sciatic nerve root is the thigh, calf, and/or foot—far from the actual site of the issue.
Usually the initial sign of sciatica is pain, which denotes inflammation or irritation of the nerves. Most frequently, one leg may experience a single, intense, searing pain.
A few instances of different pains that could be experienced:
- Electric shock-like, Shooting pain
- Throbbing or Pulsating pain
- Constant dull ache
- Discomfort that comes and goes
Areas Affected by Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain can develop anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s path or one of its branches. Usually, the affected area is the rear and outside portion of the thigh and/or leg.
Other possible areas where sciatica pain can arise include:
- Low back
- Front of the thigh and/or leg
- The top and outer side of the foot
- Sole of foot
Neurological Symptoms that accompany Sciatica Pain
One or more neurological symptoms may coexist with sciatic nerve compression in addition to pain.
Examples of accompanying symptoms include:
- Muscular weakness in the thighs: When trying to draw the thighs together, one may feel a weakening in the affected thigh muscles.
- Weakness in the muscles of the feet and legs: When there is weakness in the leg muscles, it can be difficult to bend the knee or point the foot, toes, or both upwards and downwards. A foot drop—difficulty elevating the front portion of the foot while walking—may be the result of these problems.
- Numbness: If the sciatic nerve is unable to transmit nerve signals, loss of feeling may result. Numbness typically affects the top, sole, or side of the foot in addition to the calf.
- Paresthesia: An unusual cutaneous sensation brought on by faulty nerve transmission. This can feel like pins and needles, tingling, tightness, or a crawling sensation along the back of the leg or thigh.
When Sciatica Pain Requires Medical Attention?
Serious underlying diseases including cauda equina syndrome, infections, or spinal malignancies may be indicated by these symptoms. For a precise diagnosis, it is usually advisable to consult with a medical practitioner because a variety of conditions can impact the sciatic nerve and result in symptoms. Long-term pain relief will be best achieved with treatments that address the underlying source of sciatica symptoms rather than palliative measures that just mask symptoms.