Here are some of the signs that indicate that you might have Sciatica.
The Sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower spine to the buttock, then goes down inside the thigh and calf, all the way to the foot. There is one for each lower limb.
Irritation of the Sciatic nerve is known as Sciatica. It is commonly known as “pinched nerve”.
Most causes of Sciatica are treatable and repairable. Permanent disability may result if le untreated.
Disabling lower back pain.
Sudden and severe lower back pain that gradually gets worse over days or weeks. The lower back pain gets worse during activities
such as bending, walking and sitting for long periods of time. It tends to improve when sleeping with hips and knees bent or by sleeping with a pillow under the knees.
Shooting leg pain.
This pain may feel like an electric shock, lightning or deep bone pain spreading down the lower limb. It follows one of the two main branches of the Sciatic nerve.
- It shoots from the lower back to the buttock, the outer side of the thigh and calf, and the top of the foot. (L5 nerve root or branch).
- It shoots from the lower back to the buttock, the back of the thigh and calf, and the heel. (S1 nerve root or branch).
The lower back pain tends to improve once there’s leg pain.
Cough effect
The lower back pain or shooting leg pain gets worse with coughing, sneezing, laughing and straining in the toilet.
Numbness
Abnormal feeling over the area that has shooting pain. When touching the skin, you may feel reduced sensation, high sensitivity or soreness with “pins and needles”.
Foot drop
Weakness of the foot or the big toe on the same side as the shooting pain. Your foot may be floppy or your big toe may scrape the ground when walking.
BONUS – Difficulty passing urine.
Lower back pain with difficulty of feeling a full bladder or accidentally wetting yourself needs urgent medical attention.