Sciatic rheumatism, better known as "sciatica," refers to pain that involves the longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, which extends from the spinal cord to the buttocks, the hips, and then down both legs. This pain is viewed as a symptom of a deeper, underlying process rather than a separate condition within itself. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), sciatica usually occurs between 30 to 50 years of age due to the aging process, or it may occur because of instability of (herniated or slipped disk) or acute trauma to the lumbosacral spine.
Pain
The pain can range from mild to debilitating with sharp, burning or shock-like (electrical) sensations that typically are experienced unilaterally, that is, only on one side or extremity. Pain described as extending from the lumbar (lower back) area or hip to the buttock, which then continues down the back of one leg (thigh and calf) is considered classic sciatica. At times, the pain even may go down as far as the feet or toes. Sitting for long periods of time usually increases pain. Also, continuous pain in one buttock typically is described by sufferers as well as a shooting pain that affects standing ability.
Numbness and Tingling
Another set of common symptoms for sciatica includes numbness, tingling and leg weakness, the combination of which may differ by patient. For example, an individual might describe pain occurring at one leg region with numbness reported at a different part of the leg; or yet, a complaint of leg pain may be described in concert with problems of voluntary leg or foot movements. Additionally, the symptom frequently described as the "pins and needles" sensation or tingling may be experienced in combination with the other symptoms.
Uncontrolled Elimination
In rare cases, a patient may present with the serious symptom of loss of bowel or bladder control, which is an acute situation and is a medical emergency. Cauda equina syndrome causes these symptoms which occur when nerve roots experience immense pressure or are compressed to the point of paralysis. Importantly, this means that movement and sensation of an area of the body have been truncated or abruptly terminated. Immediate medical intervention is essential or major negative outcomes can result, which includes permanent paralysis.
