What is Sciatica?

 

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest single nerve in your body. It branches off at the base of your spine and runs down each side of your pelvic area, supplying nerve impulses to your buttocks, legs, and feet. If this nerve becomes pinched, we've seen patients with sciatica that could barely walk or even stand up. Many different activities can trigger problems with your sciatic nerve. 

 

With the above-mentioned sciatica is defined as pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It can cause pain anywhere along the distribution of the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the sole of the foot. It can also cause changes in sensation and muscle power of the leg.

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Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:

 

• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)

• Pain that is worse when sitting

• Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache)

• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes

• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk

• Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes (it rarely occurs only in the foot)