Sciatica is a term that refers to the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This may be due to a fracture, tumor, herniated disc, or an inflammatory disorder like rheumatoid arthritis. Sciatica is caused by pressure on one side of the spine and can cause numbness in the leg. You should consult an experienced pain management specialist if sciatica live oak has started to interrupt your daily life.

The following are the common symptoms of sciatica:

  1. Shooting pain along the sciatic nerve pathway

You may feel shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. The pain is usually worse when you are walking or sitting and may even interfere with your sleep. You may feel shooting pain in your buttocks and lower back.

  1. Numbness and tingling

Sciatica can cause numbness and tingling in the leg. This pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve root. You may feel a sense of tightness and discomfort in your thigh or leg. Sciatica can be treated by your family physician. Initially, you will have to rest for a couple of days to give relief from the symptoms. Your doctor will advise you to avoid stretching and twisting movements as they will aggravate the condition.

  1. Leg weakness

You may experience leg weakness. The pain in the back is usually described as an uncomfortable spasm, sometimes you may feel dizzy. You may find it difficult to move your leg and lift your leg or put weight on your leg. This is particularly common in those who have had the condition for a long time.

  1. Neck pain and stiffness

You may experience neck pain. The pain is usually described as a sense of tiredness and stiffness in the neck or low back. During sleep, you may wake up with a sense of stiff neck and head. Your doctor will advise you to restrict your activities for a couple of days to give relief from the symptoms.

  1. Inflammation

Your sciatica may be due to inflammation or swelling of the spinal cord and irritation of the nerve roots. This condition is chronic and you may continue to experience pain for more than three months. As a result, you may find it hard to sit or stand for long hours. You can get relief from pain by increasing your water intake and with moderate exercise.