Sciatica is a condition that is characterized by pain in the lower back. Specifically, this is caused by irritation or pressure affecting the sciatic nerve. This is a nerve that runs through the spinal canal from the lumbar region, all the way through to the lower legs below the knee.
This is actually the longest nerve in the human body and it is tasked with many important functions when it comes to carrying signals to and from the legs.
The problem is that this length also makes it vulnerable and it only takes a small amount of pressure for it to become painful.
In this post, we will take a look at a host of different symptoms that can point to sciatica and from there, you can look into finding the best treatment to aid with your particular case.
1. Pain in the Lower Back
The number one symptom of sciatica is pain that affects the lower back area. Of course this is caused simply by pressure on the nerve at this specific point.
This pain in the lower back might be sharp in nature or dull and it is likely to become worse or slightly less painful depending on your movement and your position. You can literally imagine what is going on here, as something – whether it is an inflamed area of tissue, a bone or a herniated disc – is physically trapping and pinching the nerve.
