The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain (and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness) that begin in the lower back and go through the buttocks and the major sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

What are the causes?

Sciatica develops due to pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve begins in the lumbar region and goes down the back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the back of the knee and the lower region of the leg. It also provides sensitivity to the back of the thigh, part of the lower region of the leg and the sole of the foot. The most frequent causes are:

– Herniated disc.
– Spinal stenosis.
– Piriformis syndrome (a pain that involves the narrow muscle in the buttocks).
– Injury or fracture of the pelvis.
– Tumours.

Common symptoms of sciatica

Sciatic pain feels like a mild tingling, dull pain or a burning sensation. It is common for the pain to be so intense that it prevents the movement of the person. Pain manifests more often on one side. Some people have acute pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. Pain or numbness can also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak. The most frequent symptoms are:

– The pain in the lower back, if it manifests itself, is not as severe as the pain in the leg.
– Constant pain in one buttock or one leg, but rarely on both sides at the same time.
– Pain that arises from the lower back or from a buttock and continues along the line drawn by the sciatic nerve, that is, from the back of the thigh and to the lower part of the leg and foot.
– Pain that is relieved when the patient lies down or walks, but worsens when standing or sitting.
– Sciatic pain that is usually described as a sharp or sharp pain, rather than a dull ache.
– Some experience a tingling sensation, numbness or weakness, or a tingling sensation that goes down the leg.

-What is sciatica?