The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that originates from the lower spinal cord and runs down the back part of leg and into the sole of the foot. This nerve carries sensory information from these areas to the spinal cord, which then sends this information to the brain. This nerve can become compressed by an intervertebral disk rupture, spinal column narrowing, muscle tightness, or from an injury to the pelvis. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of sciatic nerve compression, also known as sciatica.
Leg Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, leg pain is a common symptom of sciatic nerve compression. Pain is likely to occur from your lower back to your buttock and down the back of your leg into your calf muscle. This pain occurs because your compressed sciatic nerve sends pain signals to the spinal cord when it is compressed. This pain can be achy, sharp, burning, or excruciating in nature. The Mayo Clinic states that this pain may feel like an electric shock and can be made worse with a cough or sneeze. Exercise can prevent sciatic nerve pain and avoid prolonged sitting.
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness and tingling are common symptoms associated with sciatic nerve compression, according to Medline Plus. These symptoms will occur along the distribution of the sciatic nerve, although they may not occur together. For example, you may experience numbness in your lower back, but tingling in the back of your lower leg at the same time. This occurs because your compressed sciatic nerve sends mixed numbness and tingling signals to your spinal cord, which then sends these signals to your brain.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
A loss of bladder or bowel control is a serious sign of spinal nerve compression and requires immediate medical attention. These signs, in addition to pain, numbness and tingling along the sciatic nerve, may lead to a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome is caused by a disk herniation that compresses spinal nerves in the lower back, including the sciatic nerve. Although serious, this syndrome is first treated with physical rest and medications for symptom relief, according to the Mayo Clinic. In worse cases, surgery may be necessary.
