How to Identify Symptoms of Sciatica

Back pain is never easy to deal with. People who suffer from sciatica, a pain in the lower back generally caused by muscle strain that involves pinching or twisting of the sciatica nerve, may be laid low by back spasms, weakened leg muscles and inability to walk or move without extreme discomfort. Many people suffering from chronic sciatica learn how to avoid injury through adapting habits and lifstyle. However, there are others who have never experienced a back injury and are startled by the pain that travels from the back through the buttocks and down the leg like an electrical current. Adults generally experience such injury, though it has been known to afflict children and teens who have injured themselves through sports or play. Learning how to identify symptoms of sciatica helps individuals reduce risks and achieve relief.

Instructions

Pay Attention

• 1

  Pay attention to shooting pains that travel from the back, through the buttocks and down into one leg, which are the most common symptoms of a sciatica nerve injury or inflammation. The symptoms may occur immediately after an injury, or several hours after.

• 2

  Traveling pain may also be accompanied by muscle spasms in the lower back that cause extreme and sharp pain. When a person tenses up in response to the spasm, the resulting movements may bring on additional pain. The pain is worsened with coughing, sneezing or any type of bending or twisting movement.

• 3

  Symptoms of sciatica pain also causes extremely limited range of motion. People suffering from sciatica episodes may find that it is impossible to find a comfortable position; standing, sitting, or lying down, without experiencing pain with every little move.

• 4

  Pain in the back, buttocks and leg is caused by the inflammation of the sciatica nerve, which produces a throbbing, sharp and cyclic motion of pain sensations that may often be accompanied by a cold sensation in the leg.

• 5

  Sciatica pain that worsens may be a sign that a deeper injury or condition may be present. Sciatica pain accompanied by chronic and severe muscle spasms that cause debilitating pain should be addressed by a physician.