Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica symptoms are many and severe. The most common symptom of sciatica is a severe pain that starts from the lower back or buttocks and travels to your legs. The pain will occur if the sciatica nerve is compressed or pressured. The pain will vary in patients with some experiencing a sharp pain when they try to sit or walk while others will only feel a tingling discomfort. Not every lower back pain is sciatica. If you feel pain in the lower back you should consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Lower Back Pain

Pain is one of the most common sciatica symptoms. The pain is deep and severe, and it starts from the lower back and shoots down to the buttocks and then the legs. This pain is different from normal pain. People describe it as a sharp pain that feels like somebody is prickling your skin. This pain will worsen if you stand or sit for long. It will also worsen if you try to stand from a low position such as toilet seat. Sciatica pain is also worse in the morning after coming from the bed. A morning walk or sciatica stretches can help to relieve the pain.

Sciatica symptoms will escalate if you try to laugh, sneeze or cough. It can also occur if you try to lift anything from the ground. This is because weight puts pressure on the sciatica nerve, leading to severe pain. The pain occurs in almost every part of the body, to disrupt the life of the sufferer. The person cannot bend, lift items or walk since these activities will worsen the pain.

Pain on the Buttocks

Another symptom of sciatica is pain on one buttock. The pain gets worse if you try to sit down since you will be putting pressure on the nerve. Sciatica pain should not be confused with normal lower back pain. Sciatica pain starts form the lower back and ends in the foot. The pain can go away if you take bed rest. You should also avoid prolonged exercise.

Numbness and Muscle Weakness

Numbness is also one of the prominent sciatica symptoms. The numbness usually occurs in your legs and it can occur in one or both legs. This numbness is accompanied by severe pain and might hinder you from walking. At times the pain is so severe that the person cannot even move their leg. This usually happens if the person sits for a long period.

Tingling Pain in your Toes and Foot

You might also experience sharp pain in your foot or toes. This pain spreads from the thighs because of muscle weakness. The pain will occur when you try to stand or walk this puts pressure on your foot. At times the pain is very sharp and the person might be able to move about. Try to do exercises that will stretch your toes to relieve the pain.

Loose Bladder and Bowel

Loose bladder and bowel are also common sciatica symptoms. This condition is known as cauda equine syndrome and you will need to see your physician immediately. It can be treated through medications, but at times surgery may be necessary.
Sciatica symptoms are many, and they range from severe pain to mild discomfort. For some people it will only be a simple inconvenience while for others they are forced to forgo daily activities such as day to day activities such as walking and bending. The pain becomes severe if you try to laugh, sneeze or cough. Standing or sitting for long can also alleviate these symptoms. The pain can go away on its own but if it continue for six weeks you should see your doctor.