Sciatica is n’t a aesculapian condition in its own right but rather a symptom of a larger problem . It refers to pain sensation , failing or indifference in one or both legs that can lead from multiple cause .
However , it can have disruptive consequence on your ability to manage daily living tasks . How do you know when it ’s time to see the doc ? Here are five mark you may have sciatica and the factors within your control that put you at risk .
1. Numbness and Tingling in the Lower Extremities
Sciatica result when your sciatic heart , which function down your low-down back and leg , becomes pinched or injure . This symptom usually affects only one side but can impact both in rarified cases . It can feel like when your foot or stage survive to sleep , but it can occur during various activities where you would n’t usually impede blood flow , such as when walking or stand in sure positions .
Sometimes , the numbness and tingling only offer into one cheek or upper wooden leg . Other times , it can move around down your pegleg , causing you trouble stand .
Some numbness and prickling are mutual , but more severe issues constitute a aesculapian exigency . For model , you should seek immediate upkeep if you know intestine or vesica control problem , as this can betoken the indigence for surgical process to forestall lasting harm .
2. 1-Sided Aching and Burning in One Glute or Leg
Sciatica pain in the neck typically occur on one side of the body . Since your sciatic spunk originates in your butt joint or gluteal domain , you ’ll usually palpate it shoot down the back of this muscle and your leg . In some cases , it extend to your calf .
Some the great unwashed refer to this sensation as a dull ache . Others find it more like a burning adept , particularly when they shift spatial relation . The damage to your sciatic nerve could be more terrible if you feel shooting pains when you spring up to stand . It could feel like a jar or galvanic shock absorber when you sneeze or cough .
3. Lower Back Pain
The pain from sciatica often radiates into your grim back . It typically feels like a dull ache in this orbit .
This symptom can also move up from other component , such as an ill - meet bureau chair . If your symptoms go on more than a calendar week or two , see your doctor for an evaluation .
4. Pain That Increases After Sitting or Standing
Here ’s another star sign that can point sciatica — or something else . nuisance that increase after sitting or standing in a determine position is also a hallmark of degenerative disc disease , which can increase sciatic nerve pain if it occurs in the lumbar spine .
The only fashion to tell for sure is to schedule a CT scan or MRI of your dispirited back . In most typeface , your Doctor of the Church will order the trial and transport you to an outpatient mental imagery heart and soul . They ’ll then schedule a trace - up visit to discuss outcome .
5. Weakness in the Leg or Foot
lastly , weakness in the leg or foot can indicate sciatica . This sign may or may not take place with the thunderbolt infliction some sufferers know when they shift location . However , you may discover it difficult to stomach up from a sit position , and your foot may fall asleep even if you are walk or engaged in other activities that promote , not hinder circulation .
Risk Factors for Sciatica
Some people run a high risk of sciatica than others . Consider this a possible suit if any of the following six risk factors utilise to you .
1. Physical Jobs
Performing forcible parturiency puts you at increased peril for sciatica . You ’re more probable to have steal - and - fall accident that damage the sciatic mettle . Repetitive motion injury can likewise do redundant tune on this area .
2. Injuries
railcar clangor and sports injury can result in permanent nerve terms . If such an incident bear on your sciatic nerve , you could go through on-going problems .
3. Excessive Drinking and Smoking
boozing and smoke growth your diabetes risk of exposure . When your body can no longer baffle your blood kale , various injuries can occur , including permanent nerve damage .
4. Poor Lifting Form
Do you be to hit the gymnasium ? perform move with too - heavy weight or improper shape can cause nervus wrong and sciatica .
5. Sitting for Extended Periods
The piriformis muscular tissue in your buttock circumvent your sciatic nerve . If you sit down for prolonged period , you put excess pressure level on this frail tissue , increase your sciatica risk .
6. Carrying Too Much Weight
Obesity increase multiple health risk — including sciatica . Carrying too much weight causes your center of balance to shift , result in movement that up your chances of nerve hurt .
Signs You May Have Sciatica
Sciatica may not be a medical condition in its own rightfulness , but it can still cause considerable disability . Heed these five signs and discuss your options with your physician if you suppose it affects you .
