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- Overview
- Sciatica Symptoms
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- Home Treatments
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This article provides information about sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. It includes symptoms, causes, treatments and tips for prevention. The article also mentions that if the pain is severe and home treatments do not help, one may need to see a specialist in hospital.
The sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, causing pain in the bottom, back of leg, foot and toes. Pain may be stabbing, burning or shooting with tingling sensations like pins and needles. Symptoms are worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. Back pain may also occur but not as severe as other areas.
Usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.
Carry on normal activities as much as possible; start gentle exercise; hold heat packs to painful areas; ask pharmacist about painkillers; put cushion between knees when sleeping on side or pillows under knees when lying on back. Do not sit/lie down for long periods and do not use hot water bottles if skin is numb.
If symptoms have not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks or getting worse/stopping normal activities; weakness/numbness in both legs that's severe/getting worse; numbness around genitals/bottom (anus); difficulty starting peeing/cannot control peeing & poo-ing - these could be serious problems needing hospital treatment ASAP!
- 3 min
Oct 15, 2024 · Sciatica is a common condition and can also be known as nerve root or radicular pain. Sciatica is a term used to describe pain felt in the leg but which often comes from the lower back. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and goes all the way down the back of the leg into the foot.
The exercises in this series of videos are suitable for most people in good health with a reasonable level of fitness. Unless stated otherwise, they are general exercises only and are not aimed at treating any specific cause of pain or condition. Video titles and descriptions can g
Signs and symptoms which should lead to a suspicion of sciatica include: Unilateral leg pain radiating below the knee to the foot or toes. Low back pain — if present, which is less severe than any leg pain. Numbness, tingling (paraesthesia) in the distribution of a nerve root.
Sciatica (also known as lumbosacral radicular syndrome, ischias, nerve root pain, and nerve root entrapment) is pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve, ie felt in the thigh and, most importantly, below the knee (1). A pain that is not felt below the knee is not sciatica.
Facts about Sciatica. Sciatica is RARELY linked to serious tissue damage or a life-threatening condition. Sciatica is often caused by nerve irritation and or inflammation. If the sciatic nerve is compressed, you may experience numbness and weakness in your leg (s).
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