What Are The Signs Of Sciatic Nerve Damage?

Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve of the body. It runs from the back through the hips and to the thighs. Sometimes, what happens is that this sciatic nerve gets compressed or impinged causing a variety of symptoms; however, if the damage to the sciatic nerve is minimal then there may be no symptoms.

The primary cause for damage to the sciatic nerve is believed to be herniated disc which leads to compression of the sciatic nerve and subsequently damaging it. The next most common cause for sciatic nerve damage is a condition known as disc prolapse which is commonly called slipped disc. Lumbar spinal stenosis which is a condition in which the spinal canal gets narrowed, degeneration of the intervertebral discs due to age, and spondylolisthesis are other causes for sciatic nerve damage. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, wearing high heels or sleeping on an extremely soft mattress are some of the risk factors for damage to the sciatic nerve.

Radiating Pain: The principal sign which suggests that the sciatic nerve of an individual is damaged is excruciating pain in the low back, which radiates down the leg and into the feet.

Pain on One Side: Sciatic nerve pain normally involves only one leg and waxes and wanes.

Difficulty Sitting, Standing & Walking: When the Sciatic nerve pain is at its peak, the individual will have difficulty sitting, standing, walking for long periods of time, and will have a tough time carrying out activities of daily living.

Numbness & Tingling in Legs: In the event of sciatic nerve damage, there will also be associated numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. The affected individual will also experience muscle weakness in the lower extremity muscles.

Other Signs of Sciatic Nerve Damage: The intensity of the pain caused due to sciatic nerve damage may be worsened by sneezing and coughing. In case if an individual has bowel or bladder disturbances along with the above mentioned symptoms then it may be a sign of a major underlying medical condition and will require immediate medical intervention.

In conclusion, sign of sciatic nerve damage normally involves pain only on the side of the body. The pain is extremely intense and starts from the low back, travels down the buttocks, and shoots down the thigh. This pain is associated with numbness and tingling along with muscle weakness. Individuals with these signs need to get checked with a neurologist who can delineate the cause of the sciatic nerve damage and formulate a treatment plan for relief of symptoms.

Also Read:

• Massage Therapy for Sciatic Nerve Pain: Steps, Points to Remember- Ice Cube
• Manage Sciatica with 5 Simple Lifestyle Modifications: Proper Posture, Fitness, Nutrition
• Does Sciatica Ever Go Away? How long does Sciatica Pain Last?
• Can Reiki Relieve Sciatica?
• Improving Sciatica Pain With Medications, Exercises And Alternative Treatments