8 Signs of Sciatica

Sciatica is the name given to an intense pain that starts in a person's lower back and extends downward into the legs. Some people even feel the pain in their buttocks and feet. Symptoms and signs of sciatica vary in intensity. Some sufferers have a debilitating pain, while others feel weak or tingly. Numbness in the legs and feet is also common.Sciatica is named after the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower spine and extends downward into the legs and feet. Medical experts believe sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure typically comes from an existing medical problem, such as a bone spur or a herniated disk.Pain in the lower back is the most common sign of sciatica. However, several other signs are also common. This article will provide a detailed description of the back pain and other common symptoms associated with sciatica.

1. Back Pain

The sciatic nerve is one of the largest and longest in the body, and several conditions can put pressure on it. When pressure is placed on the nerve roots in the lower back, the back pain that results is the most common sign of sciatica.A ruptured disc in the back can cause sciatic pain. Other conditions, such as degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause a great deal of pain. Spondylolisthesis, is a medical condition in which one back bone slides out of position. This movement of the bone can be due to a defective joint or due to a traumatic accident. People with spondylolisthesis may experience sciatic pain.Because so many people see a doctor or chiropractor yearly for pain, back pain alone is generally not enough to signal that a person suffers from sciatica. However, back pain, along with the other symptoms listed below is generally enough for a doctor to determine if a patient suffers from sciatica. Pain from sciatica can most often be treated with over-the-counter drugs. However, sometimes physicians prescribe stronger prescription medicine for severe cases.Next