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Sciatica Symptoms

The sciatic [sahy-at-ik] nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is formed from a bundle of nerves at the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve exits the spinal column at the hip and runs down the back of each leg. If the lumbar nerves or the sciatic nerve become compressed, damaged or irritated, that creates a series of symptoms known as sciatica.

  1. What is Sciatica?

    • Sciatica is not a disease but more of a symptom that something else is wrong in the body. The usual cause is nerve compression in the lumbar spine, which presents as pain or numbness.

    Sciatic Pain

    • Sciatic pain usually occurs on one side of the body and may radiate outward along the length of the nerve. Sciatic pain often gets worse when sneezing or coughing.

    Sciatic Numbness

    • Like sciatic pain, sciatic numbness occurs on one side of the body and radiates the length of the nerve. The numbness is often experienced as either a burning or tingling sensation.

    Movement Problems

    • People with sciatica often experience difficulty moving, especially sitting or standing. Sciatic nerve pain can be mistaken for other problems like pulled hamstrings.

    Severe Symptoms

    • In some cases, sciatica causes lower limb weakness and loss of bladder control. This may signal serious damage to the nerves in the lumbar spine. These symptoms need immediate medical attention.

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