Sciatica pain is usually described with a wide variety of characteristics. This pain has the potential to worsen over time and may become debilitating. The pain may come and go or stay for longer periods and may get relieved with certain postures, movement or stretches.
While sciatica pain can be debilitating, chiropractic treatment can relieve it gently and naturally. Chiropractic treatment helps the body heal itself with drug-free, non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment.
Treatments that target the underlying cause of sciatica symptoms, rather than palliative approaches that only relieve symptoms, will be most effective for long term pain resolution.
Pain is usually the first symptom of sciatica and typically indicates nerve irritation or inflammation. Most commonly, a sharp, burning, or searing pain may be felt that affects only one leg. Rarely, sciatica may affect both legs together. Pain alternating between the right and left leg is also possible.
A few examples of other types of pain that may be felt include:
Electric shock-like, shooting pain
Throbbing or pulsating pain
Constant dull ache
Discomfort that comes and goes
Sciatica pain occurs along the path of the sciatic nerve and/or its branches. Commonly, the back and outer part of the thigh and/or leg are affected.
The other potential regions that can be affected by sciatica pain are:
Low back
Front of the thigh and/or leg
The top and outer side of the foot
Sole of foot
The web between the first and second toes
In sciatica, leg pain is typically more severe than back pain.
Neurological Symptoms That May Accompany Sciatica Pain
When the sciatic nerve is compressed, one or more neurological symptoms may accompany the pain.
A few examples of accompanying symptoms include:
Weakness in the thigh muscles. When the thigh muscles are affected, there may be a weakness felt while attempting to bring the thighs together.
Weakness in the leg and foot muscles. When the leg muscles are affected, there may be weakness while attempting to bend the knee or while pointing the foot and/or toes upward and/or downward. These issues may result in a foot drop—difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot while walking. There may also be difficulty in rising from a sitting position or attempting to walk on tiptoes.
Numbness. Loss of sensation may occur when the nerve impulses are not able to pass through the sciatic nerve. Common areas affected by numbness are the side of the calf and/or the heel, sole, and/or top of the foot.
Paresthesia. An abnormal sensation felt on the skin due to improper nerve conduction. This sensation may include tingling, tightness, pins-and-needles, and/or a crawling feeling along the back of the thigh and/or leg
Neurological symptoms may result in reduced function of the affected leg and is more common when the sciatic nerve is compressed.
When Sciatic Pain Is a Medical Emergency (Call 911 or go to the nearest Urgent Care/Emergency Room)
While quite rare, there are times when sciatica symptoms may indicate a potentially serious injury to the sciatic nerve. A medical emergency is indicated when:
The sciatica pain is severe or there is a sudden increase in pain
There is loss of bowel and/or bladder control
When there is loss of muscle strength or control of the leg or foot
The sciatica pain is accompanied by fever, nausea and/or weight loss
These symptoms can indicate serious underlying conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, infection, or spinal tumors.
Typically, it is best to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis, as a wide range of issues can affect the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms.