Sciatica is the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches from your lower back through the hips and buttocks to each leg. This is a pain which is generally seen on only one side of the body.

Symptoms

If there is a pain that radiates from your lower spine to your buttocks and then to the back of your leg, it can be the symptom of sciatica. In fact, it is the hallmark of sciatica. Someone suffering from this problem may find discomfort anywhere along the nerve path. However, the pain may arise from low back to the buttocks and the back of the thigh and calf. Generally, the pain may vary a lot. Some people may have a sharp pain but some others may have a mild ache. Some other people may also experience burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes such a pain can feel like a jolt or electric shock.

The pain increases when you cough or sneeze. Increases when you sit for a long duration. The pain in general experience on only one side of the body. Sometimes, some people experience numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.

When you should see a doctor

General mild sciatica problem may go away over time. You can try a few home remedies at home to ease the symptoms and pain. If the pain lasts longer than a week or if it becomes severe or progressively worse, you should immediately seek medical help. If you suddenly experience severe pain in your low back or leg and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg, you should see a doctor and find out what can be done. If you suffer from such a pain after a violent injury like a traffic accident, you should immediately talk to your doctor. If you find it difficult to control your bowels and bladder, you should seek professional help.

Causes

The main cause of sciatica is pinching of the sciatica nerve which happens because of a herniated disc in your spine or because of an overgrowth of bone on your vertebrae. In some cases because of a tumour or damaged caused by diabetes or any other disease, the nerve can be compressed and that can result in sciatica in some people.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors involved in case of sciatica-

Age-with age there may be some changes in the spine like herniated discs and bone spurs and they can cause sciatica. This is the most common cause of sciatica.

Occupation-your occupation may also cause sciatica. If you need to twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive a motor vehicle for long duration, such tasks may play a role in the development of sciatica. However, there is no conclusive evidence which point out to such possibilities.

Obesity- if you are overweight and obese, it will put more stress on your spine and that can cause some spinal changes which may trigger sciatica.

Prolonged sitting- if you sit for prolonged periods, it can result in sciatica in your case. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, that can also cause sciatica. If you are very active in your daily life, the possibility of sciatica development in your case will be very less in comparison to other non-active people.

References

1. Sciatica Sos
2. Sciatica
3. Sciatica