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Signs and Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Compression

Sciatic nerve compression is more commonly known as sciatica. It is a secondary condition, meaning that it is caused by another medical problem. Causes of sciatica may include, according to the National Institutes of Health, piriformis syndrome (pain stemming from the piriformis muscle of the buttocks), a slipped disk, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), injury, a fracture of the pelvis or tumors. Sciatica causes abnormal sensations in the leg.

  1. Leg Pain

    • The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in the lower spine, extends through the buttocks and goes down one leg (including the thigh and calf), according to the Mayo Clinic. The pain can vary from mild to severe and can feel worse with coughing, sneezing or sitting down for a long time. The National Institutes of Health report that the pain of sciatica may get worse over time.

    Generalized Pain and Numbness

    • The painful sensations of a compressed sciatic nerve may vary even within one person. For instance, the National Institutes of Health report that sharp pain may occur in one area while another area may feel numb or weak. Sciatica can also cause a tingling feeling in the feet, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Bowel and Bladder Control

    • A person with a compressed sciatic nerve who also loses control over bladder or bowel functions may have cauda equina syndrome, a serious nerve compression condition that can also cause the loss of muscle movement in the legs. The Mayo Clinic reports that this condition requires immediate medical attention.

    Complications

    • Complications arising from a compressed sciatic nerve may include, according to the National Institutes of Health, a total or partial loss of movement in the affected leg, loss of feeling in the leg and repeated injury to the affected leg that may go unnoticed due to numbness.

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