The most common sciatic nerve issues are pain, tingling, and feelings of weakness in the affected leg. Most medical professionals regard sciatica as a symptom as opposed to the diagnosis, as this condition is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. That compression can be the result of a herniated disk of the low back, nerve damage, or nerve impingement. In most cases, sciatic nerve pain can be relieved with non invasive treatments such as chiropractic care, gentle exercises, and time, though more severe cases will need to be treated more aggressively. People who experience this type of pain are encouraged to seek medical attention to set the correct course of treatment for their needs.
Pain is the most common sciatic nerve issues and can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the nerve compression and the patient's overall health condition. In most cases, sciatica only occurs in one leg and is usually characterized by pain starting in the low back or buttock region, and radiates down the back of the thigh. Some patients report the pain radiating down to the lower leg, and even into the foot. Many people describe the pain as burning, stinging, or very sharp. It is common to find relief when walking or lying down, as standing seems to increase discomfort.
Another of the frequent sciatic nerve issues is tingling or numbness of the leg affected. Along with the tingling sensation, it is not unusual for people with these symptoms to also experience muscle weakness of the leg and possibly the foot. It is advised for patients with this type of sciatica issue to use caution when walking and standing in order to avoid falls and other accidents. These symptoms may point to a more serious case of sciatica, though often it appears some people simply react differently. Frequently, pain and feelings of numbness occur at the same time.
Though unpleasant, the common sciatic nerve issues aren't usually considered to be serious; however, these are symptoms that should not be overlooked. It is suggested that patients who exhibit feelings of numbness or pain in this region with accompanying bowel or bladder incontinence seek emergency medical attention, as these symptoms point to a larger problem than simple sciatica pain. Also, while some tingling is normal and common, if it becomes continuous or severe, the patient should see a medical professional quickly, as permanent nerve damage may be a concern. In very rare circumstances, surgery may be necessary to correct the nerve impingement or compression.