5 Ways to Know If You Are Suffering From Sciatica

If you suffer from persistent lower back or buttocks pain that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and activity changes, identifying the underlying cause is essential. The condition can worsen without treatment, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

At Integrated Pain Consultants, in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating low back pain, including sciatica. Here, we explain sciatica and highlight five of its most common symptoms.

What is sciatica?

This painful condition occurs when one of your sciatic nerves – the longest nerves in the body – becomes compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerves, on each side of your body, run from the lower back, over the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet.

Sciatic nerve compression occurs for various reasons, including herniated discs, pregnancy, sports injuries, and arthritis. Regardless of the cause, treatment can provide lasting relief and prevent the condition from worsening.

How to know if you’re suffering from sciatica

Because sciatica presents similar symptoms to other lower back problems, it can be challenging to identify. However, there are several signs to watch out for, including:

1. Persistent pain in the buttock or leg on one side

In most sciatica cases, only one of the sciatic nerves is pinched or compressed. That excess pressure causes lasting pain on only one side of the body and helps your provider determine where compression occurs.

2. Pain that worsens when sitting

Many people with sciatica notice their symptoms worsen when sitting and lying down. That’s because these activities place excess pressure on the sciatic nerve and spinal column. They also concentrate your body weight in your lower back, increasing the risk of discomfort.

If your symptoms improve when you stand up or walk around, you likely have sciatica. 

3. Burning, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations

Often, sciatica feels like tingling, burning, or pins and needles. These symptoms also typically affect only one side of the body – right or left. Sciatic nerve compression causes the affected nerve to work overtime, sending multiple signals to your brain. Unfortunately, that excess communication results in uncomfortable sensations.

4. Pain that radiates down the legs and into the feet

Because the sciatic nerves extend the length of your lower body, sciatica pain is rarely localized. If you have sciatica, you may experience radiating pain that affects your buttocks, legs, and feet. This can make it challenging to stand or walk for extended periods, keeping you from work and exercise.

5. Loss of bladder or bowel control

Although rare, some people with severe sciatica experience a loss of bowel and bladder control. Because the sciatic nerve is close to the muscles and nerves that control the pelvic floor, any long-term compression can affect their function and ability to signal.

Worried about sciatica? We can help

Sciatica can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, but you don’t have to suffer. Various noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments can ease sciatica pain and help you return to your favorite activities.

To seek diagnosis and care for suspected sciatica at Integrated Pain Consultants, call your nearest office today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.