Unfortunately the symptoms of sciatica are defined by one word, PAIN! The pain starts in the lower back and can spread into all points south of there. But before we discuss the sciatica symptoms I think we should talk a little about the causes of sciatica. Because sciatica in itself is a symptom of some other spine, or muscular problem.
Sciatica is caused by pressure on, or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs through the spine and divides into two around the hips to travel down each leg, all the way to the toes. Frequently sciatica is brought on without any specific injury. It can happen after lifting, a sudden movement, or general wear and tear on the spine.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc, usually referred to as a slipped disc, but also known by a number of other terms including prolapsed and ruptured disc. So if you are told that you have any of these, it is generally the same problem. The soft centre of the disc is put under intense pressure and ruptures; this in turn puts pressure against a nerve in the back and causes pain. This can happen anywhere along the spine and the pain will be felt in different areas. If it is in the upper back, you could have pain or tingling in the arms or fingers. When it happens in the lower back and touches the sciatic nerve this is sciatica.
Sciatica can also be caused by spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the canal in the spine that house the spinal chord. This generally happens with bone growth as we age and the bone puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Another cause is Spondylolisthesis, this occurs when one bone of the back has slipped over another and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Ageing effects, like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can also cause sciatica.
Women often experience sciatica during pregnancy because of the weight gain and unbalanced load, so to speak, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes trapped in the muscles of the buttocks; once again the pressure on the nerve causes sciatica.
The sciatic nerve itself can become pinched or stretched and in rare occasions sciatica can be a symptom of a more serious problem such as a tumor, blood clot or abscess in the area.
Because there are so many possible causes of sciatica it is always best to consult a doctor in the first instance to identify the cause and eliminate the possibility of any of the more serious causes.
So now you know what can cause sciatica let's get back to the symptoms. As I said earlier the basic symptom is pain. Where you feel this pain and how intensely you feel it depends on where and how much pressure is put on the sciatic nerve.
The pain generally starts in the lower back and can be more intense on one side or the other. It can then travel along the nerve and be felt in the hips and legs. Again this can be one or other or both and can extend all the way into the feet and toes. Numbness and weakness can also be a symptom in any of those areas.
Any sudden movement such as coughing, sneezing or laughing can increase the pain, as can standing or sitting for long periods of time.
So if any of this feels familiar to you I am afraid that you have sciatica.
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