Sciatica Symptoms
If you are worried about getting sciatica, the only way to fully be cautious is to know what sciatica symptoms are. What several people fail to notice is that sciatica is not a full diagnosis of itself and often takes a while to actually be identified. Sciatica symptoms are often noticeable through pains in the lower back, leg (both thighs and knee area), and sometimes even the foot area. Such pains arise from the compression, irritation or even inflammation of one of five spinal nerves.
The most common sciatica symptoms are as follows:
Pain
Such pain is often felt throughout the sciatic nerve pathway (at any point). The degree of the nerve pain varies according to the situation ranging from a simple mild ache to a severe excruciating pain in the lower back or even all the way down your leg. This kind of pain has often been referred to as a “jolt of electricity” sensation running through your body. The areas for which such sciatic nerve pains are found in the:
* Buttock area
*Legs inclusive of joint areas
*Lower back
*Calf
Overall body muscle weakness
Numbness
Numbness applies throughout your body and can often pass as a form of muscle weakness. Both numbness and muscle weakness are common sciatica symptoms and should be addressed appropriately. It is also possible to experience both numbness and muscular pain throughout your body at the same time e.g. numbness in one leg and pain in the other.
Bowel or Bladder Control Problems
When sciatica has reached a relatively serious degree, bowel or bladder control problems may arise as a common sciatica symptom. If such symptom arises, the need to seek medical attention immediately is detrimental. Bowel or Bladder issues often derives as a neurological problem where the ability to control the function of the lumbar plexus is negative.
Sciatica symptoms may vary in both intensity and precision to spot and will in turn affect treatment options. Relying on medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help in cases where sciatica symptoms are mild or moderate however once the sciatica symptoms reach a severe point, the need for medical attention is crucial and should not be procrastinated. If however you are uncertain about the situation of your body and worry about the way your body is acting abnormally, a visit to your local general practitioner would help you clear your mind and also understand your situation as to whether the symptoms you undergo are truly sciatica symptoms.