Sciatica
Description
Sudden, sometimes debilitating pain that starts in the low back and radiates down the leg is a telltale sign of sciatica. Sciatica is a condition in which the nerve that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the leg becomes inflamed or irritated. Read on for more.
Causes & Triggers
- Arthritis
- Herniated disc
- Fracture
- Injury
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolistheis
Signs & Symptoms
- Burning or “pins and needles” sensation
- Difficulty with walking, standing, moving
- Numbness
- Pain
- Shooting pain
- Tingling
- Weakness
Tips & Treatment
- This condition can be acute (sudden onset) or recurring (chronic).
- Pain may worsen with sitting, standing, coughing, sneezing or straining.
- Symptoms range from mild to severe and can sometimes go away on their own.
- Treatment may include rest, applying hot or cold packs, stretching, walking, anti-inflammatory medication, epidural injection and/or physical therapy.
- Surgery may be recommended for extreme cases in which the compressed nerve results in overwhelming pain or bladder incontinence.
