5 Common Signs of Sciatica

As you age, it can feel like there’s always some ache or pain in one part of your body or another. Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we hear, and it can be confusing to pinpoint precisely what’s causing it.

If the pain feels sharp or burning and seems to travel down one leg, it’s likely sciatica. Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It’s the largest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg.

While sciatica pain can sometimes resolve on its own with rest and care, you first need to understand what’s wrong, which requires seeing Dr. Phillip Henkin, our expert neurosurgeon at NeuroSpine Center in Tampa, Florida. 

In this article, he explains five common signs of sciatica so you can recognize when to get help.

1. Pain that radiates from your lower back down one leg

Unlike typical lower back pain, sciatica pain travels along the sciatic nerve. It often starts in your lower back, moves through your buttocks, and shoots down one leg, sometimes to your foot. You might notice the pain worsens when you make sudden movements, like sneezing, coughing, or standing up too quickly.

2. Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot

Sciatica can also create strange sensations like numbness or tingling. You might feel your leg has fallen asleep or experience pins and needles in certain areas, particularly the back of your thigh, calf, or foot. 

An irritated sciatic nerve disrupts the signals between your brain and the nerve, causing these uncomfortable sensations. You might notice tingling in one part of your leg while experiencing pain in another. It’s a strange mix of sensations that often feels worse after sitting or standing for a long time.

3. Muscle weakness in the affected leg

If the sciatic nerve is compressed for an extended period, it can start to affect your muscle strength. One leg may feel weaker, making walking, standing, or even getting out of a chair harder. You may also struggle with simple movements like climbing stairs or lifting your foot.

4. Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods

If you’ve ever felt your back or leg pain intensify after sitting at your desk, driving, or relaxing on the couch, it could be sciatica. Sitting places pressure on the lower spine and can aggravate the sciatic nerve, making the pain flare up. You might notice that standing up or walking around eases it temporarily, but the pain returns when you sit.

5. Burning or sharp sensation in your lower back, buttocks, or legs

Sciatica pain may either feel like a burning sensation or sharp and shooting. Some people even describe it as a jolt that shoots down either leg. It’s often more intense than the typical dull, achy backache.

Mild cases of sciatica can improve with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. But if your pain lasts more than a few weeks or worsens over time, it’s time to get help.

If you’ve been struggling with sciatica, an effective, long-term solution is within reach. Use our online scheduler to book a consultation with Dr. Henkin, or call NeuroSpine Center at 813-651-3300 today.