This blog is excerpted from a Spine-Health.com article written by Stephen Hochschuler, MD on June 5, 2019.

Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock, and travels down the leg.

What Does Sciatica Feel Like?

The symptoms of sciatica are commonly felt along the path of the large sciatic nerve. It is often characterized by one or more of the following features:

  • Pain. Sciatica pain is typically felt like a constant burning sensation or a shooting pain starting in the lower back or buttock and radiating down the front or back of the thigh and leg and/or feet.
  • Numbness. Sciatica pain may be accompanied by numbness in the back of the leg. Sometimes, tingling and/or weakness may also be present.
  • One-sided symptoms. Sciatica typically affects one leg. The condition often results in a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg. Rarely, both legs may be affected together.
  • Posture induced symptoms. Sciatica symptoms may feel worse while sitting, trying to stand up, bending the spine forward, twisting the spine, lying down, and/or while coughing. The symptoms may be relieved by walking or applying a heat pack over the rear pelvic region.

When Sciatica Becomes Serious

Certain symptoms of sciatica may indicate a serious medical condition, such as cauda equina syndrome, infection, or spinal tumors. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Progressive neurological symptoms, such as leg weakness
  • Symptoms in both legs
  • Bowel and/or bladder dysfunction
  • Sexual dysfunction

Find Sciatica Relief From The Facility Where Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Was Created

It is advised to seek medical attention immediately if such serious symptoms develop. The Bonati Spine Institute has patented procedures to eliminate the pain and symptoms associated with sciatica. In the 35 years we have been open, we have performed over 70,000 outpatient procedures WITHOUT the use of hardware or devices being permanently inserted into the spine. Guests have and can feel sciatica relief immediately after surgery! If you’d like for us to take a look at your case and verify if our Bonati Spine Procedures can help you, please call us at 855-267-0482 or complete our online contact form here and an advocate will reach out to you directly to discuss your case.

Read the full Spine-Health.com article here: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica