Sciatica & Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain is a burning and stabbing pain that can be felt in the back, buttock, hip, back of the leg, and foot on one side of the body. It is also known as sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy.

The sciatic nerve is the body's longest nerve. It originates in your lower back and runs behind your legs. Compression or irritation of the nerve root in the lumbar spine or the nerve anywhere along its path can cause sciatic nerve pain and other symptoms in the lower body.

This may be due to a herniated disc (slipped disc) or spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), among other causes.

This article will detail the typical symptoms, common causes, and evidence-based treatments associated with sciatic nerve pain.

What Does Sciatica Pain Feel Like?

The hallmark symptom of sciatic nerve pain is pain that travels (radiates) from the low back down one side of the body. It might be described as aching, stabbing, shooting, sharp, shock-like, or burning pain.

The symptoms of sciatica can vary greatly from person to person. Depending on the degree of sciatic nerve compression, the location and intensity of these symptoms can differ.

Some of the most common complaints are:

• Low-back pain that travels into the buttock and back of one thigh

• Radiating pain from your buttock to your foot and toes in one leg

• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensations in the lower leg

• Sudden or progressive weakness in one of your legs

  
  

In some individuals, sitting or standing too long irritates their condition. Others experience the most symptoms while trying to rest at night. Some people with sciatica complain of pain when straining or holding their breath.

Coughing or sneezing can also trigger sciatica pain. It is often worse when flexing the lower spine forward, twisting, or bending.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

Any new or worsening symptoms—especially weakness in the leg—should be evaluated by a healthcare provider without delay.