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Sciatica Leg Pain

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body, and when this nerve becomes damaged, injured or compressed it causes pain referred to as sciatica. The nerve runs from the lower back down each leg. Sciatica leg pain can range from annoying to quite painful.

  1. Causes of Leg Pain

    • A herniated disc is the most common reason for sciatica leg pain, but other factors can result in sciatic nerve damage. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which spinal canals narrow and as a result put pressure on nerves in the lower back, affecting the sciatic nerve. Spondylolisthesis is a result of degenerative disc disease when one vertebra slips onto another and squeezes the sciatic nerve. Other causes of sciatic nerve injury may include trauma to the back from a fall or auto accident and tumors compressing the nerve.

    Sciatica Leg Pain

    • Sciatica leg pain normally starts from the lower back radiating down the back of one leg or the other, sometimes down to the foot. The pain can run down the entire pathway of the nerve or affect certain leg areas, such as the thigh or calf. The pain will range from a dull ache to a shock-like sensation, from burning to an extremely painful jolt. Pain can be worse when sneezing, coughing or sitting for long periods.

    Other Symptoms

    • You may feel a numbness or tingling feeling in your leg or foot. Sometimes you can feel a numbness or weakness in one area of your leg and pain in another area. When suffering from severe sciatica, you may lose bladder or bowel control. In this instance, seek medical help right away.

    Treatment for Leg Pain

    • Treatment for sciatica leg pain may include physical therapy if a herniated disc is causing compression on the nerve. A doctor or physical therapist will provide you with an exercise routine geared towards improving flexibility and strengthening back muscles. The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Alternating hot and cold packs on painful areas, soaking in warm baths and massage may also help reduce leg pain.

    Other Treatments

    • When leg pain has not subsided, your doctor may offer more aggressive treatment. This may include epidural steroid injections. Corticosteroid is injected into the origin of pain, normally the back, to reduce inflammation surrounding the nerve. These types of injections may provide only short-term relief and because of side effects can only be given three times a year. Surgery is normally only considered when bowel or bladder control has been lost and when pain becomes severe. Your doctor will be able to determine the best treatment for your sciatica leg pain.

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