Top 5 Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful condition where patients experience discomfort in the lower back, through the hips, and down each leg. Typically, sciatic nerve pain occurs on one side of the body, but some people experience it on both sides. The condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, or it can be caused by a misaligned spine.

Treatment from one of our chiropractors at Counselman & Wade Chiropractic in Topeka may be able to relieve your sciatica symptoms. Everybody experiences sciatic nerve pain differently, but many have similar symptoms. Continue reading for the top five signs of sciatica.

1. Pain in the Buttocks or Legs

Sitting places pressure on the sciatic nerve, especially where it passes through the lower spine, hips, and buttocks. When the nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it can experience additional pressure from sitting, increasing pain and worsening the longer you sit.

2. Tingling or Burning Sensation

When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, irritated, or compressed, it can create a tingling or burning sensation in the leg. In many cases, this sensation can be experienced in the buttocks and leg on one side of the body; however, it can be experienced on both sides of the body simultaneously.

3. Weakness and Numbness in the Leg

Many patients diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain experience numbness or weakness in the leg, resulting from the nerves becoming compromised, which affects the strength of the leg muscles. Some patients experience a loss of sensation in the leg or foot or have trouble standing or walking due to weakness in the leg.

4. Pain in the Lower Back

The sciatic nerve branches from the lumbar spine, and when pressure is placed upon it, a person can experience pain in the lower back.

5. Consistent Hip or Buttock Pain

Since the sciatic nerve travels directly through the hip and buttock area, many patients experience pain and discomfort when the nerve is compressed or compromised.

Learn More About Sciatica Treatment

If you believe you may be suffering from sciatica, you must schedule a comprehensive exam with a chiropractor to determine the root cause of the pain. At Counselman & Wade Chiropractic in Topeka, we specialize in sciatica treatment and can help get you out of pain and back to enjoying life. Call our team today at (785) 234-0521 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.