Talk about a pain in the rear end… and the lower back, and the backs of the legs! Sciatica is a common problem that can range from mildly irritating to severe and debilitating.
It all starts with the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from your lower back down the back of each leg.
Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. If you have sciatica, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back/rear end that is worse when sitting
- Pain in the leg that is worse when sitting
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg
- A burning or tingling sensation down the leg
- Constant pain on one side of the lower back/rear end
- A shooting pain in the rear or leg that makes it hard to stand up
- Pain in the foot or toes (depending on where the problem is in the sciatic nerve)
Sounds like tons of fun to me!
Sciatica is often caused by irritation in the lower portions of the spine: the lumbar (the five largest and strongest vertebrae) and lumbosacral (fused vertebrae at the base of the spine). Other possible culprits can include:
- Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back
- Breakdown of disks between vertebrae
- Vertebra slippage (known as spondylolisthesis)
- Pregnancy
Some things can exacerbate your back pain (from sciatica or other problems), like obesity, wearing high heels, and inactivity.
You may need to see a doctor for back pain — especially if the pain is preventing you from keeping up with your normal activities. You should also talk to a health care professional if your pain comes with numbness and/or tingling, or if rest and anti-inflammatory medication doesn’t improve the situation. Other signs that you may need a doctor’s attention sooner, rather than later:
- Progressive weakness in the legs and/or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fever