A Guide to Sciatica Symptoms

What if I told you what the symptoms of sciatica are?

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms vary from person to person. One person may feel an annoying ache in the back of the thigh while another may experience excruciating pain burning down the entire back or side of the leg. Also when repeat episodes occur, sciatica symptoms may also vary. Some sufferers have experienced severe pain, rendering them unable to walk, but on subsequent episodes have only felt tingling in the calf and foot.

Onset of Sciatica Symptoms

The symptoms of sciatica can come on gradually or can appear suddenly. If a herniated disc causes the episode, an individual may feel lower back pain in the beginning with an ache in the buttocks. The ache can gradually grow until it eclipses the initial back pain. Sometimes sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing can instantly bring on a bout of sciatica. Long periods of sitting or bending incorrectly can also be responsible for the onset the symptoms of sciatica.

Type of Pain

The most common sciatica symptoms are a burning or tingling sensation that runs through the buttocks, down the back of one leg and may or may not extend to the calf and foot. Numbness in the leg and foot has also been reported. Some individuals feel a deep ache in the back of the thigh or calf. Sitting for any period of time usually exacerbates the discomfort and standing after sitting may bring on painful shooting sensations. Walking may be impossible for some individuals.

In many cases, symptoms of sciatica can be treated with over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. For episodes that last more than a few days, it is a good idea to visit a medical professional in order to determine what the underlying cause may be.

More Severe Sciatica Symptoms

Less commonly, a person may experience extreme weakness in the leg or foot that lifting it becomes difficult. Another symptom can be numbness for period of time, lasting for weeks. In rare cases, bladder or bowel incontinence may occur. Immediate medical attention should be sought for these symptoms of sciatica.

Length of Episodes Vary

Sciatica symptoms generally last from several days to months, depending on the severity of the episode. Many people average four to six weeks before being mostly pain-free. Usually the worst of the pain occurs during the first few weeks then tapers off. Individuals have complained the sciatica symptoms will get better then worsen again before finally dissipating. Some cases become chronic with the symptoms never completely disappearing.

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Back Pain Facts?

There are several causes of back pain: mechanical causes, eg lumbar disc disorders; degenerative conditions, eg degenerative disc disease; inflammatory conditions, eg ankylosing spondylitis; infective causes, eg osteomyelitis; neoplastic causes, eg primary benign or malignant tumours; metabolic bone disease, eg osteoporosis; referred pain, eg from duodenal ulcer; psychogenic pain - originating in the mind rather than the body.

Back pain is one of humanity's most frequent complaints and does not usually reflect any underlying disease. However, anyone with back pain that does not improve after a few days should first consult a Physician, as back pain can sometimes indicate significant and serious conditions which might not otherwise be diagnosed. Back pain is very rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. It is however important that the treatable medical causes are identified early on.

Back pain affects 50 to 80 percent of people in the U.S. at some point in their lives. In any given year, 10 percent of adults experience back pain or other symptoms, such as limited mobility or stiffness. Each year, Americans spend an estimated $24 billion on treatments for back pain - not including missed time from work nor the emotional costs of enduring pain and not being able to participate in daily activities. Imagine what it would be like to have problems working, golfing or enjoying playtime with children!

Back pain can be mildly uncomfortable, excruciating or anywhere in between. It can start slowly, sometimes a result of poor posture, or come on suddenly because of injury. If your question is not answered here, please contact one of our information specialists. Back pain can last for a few short days or can linger for weeks, months and even years. Arthritis is a common form of back pain. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more steps can be taken to reduce disability in the future. Other factors that aggravate back pain include suffering from stress, not getting enough sleep, being overweight, having poor posture or not being physically fit.

Back pain should not be considered a normal part of aging; it is a chronic condition that calls for similar lifestyle changes as diseases like arthritis and diabetes do.