Sciatica

For some people, sciatica pain can be severe and debilitating. For others, the sciatica symptoms might be infrequent and irritating, but have the potential to get worse. Low back pain may be present along with leg pain, but typically the leg pain is markedly more severe than the low back pain. Patients often describe their sciatica symptoms as electrical shocks running down the leg, or searing or burning pain

SYMPTOMS

• Lower back pain, if experienced at all, is not as severe as leg pain
• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg, but rarely both the right and left sides
• Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve – down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot
• Pain that feels better when patients lie down or are walking, but worsens when standing or sitting
• Pain that is typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull Some experience a “pins-and-needles” sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg
• Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot
• Severe or shooting pain in one leg that may make it difficult to stand up or walk
• Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain and other symptoms may also include foot pain or pain in the toes.