The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica is a medical term used to describe symptoms associated with an injury to the sciatic nerve. A common injury to the nerve includes a herniated lumbar disc causing compression. Individuals most commonly affected by sciatica are between the ages of 30 and 50. Most often, the symptoms of sciatica resolve without medical treatment in one to two months, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pain
The pain associated with sciatica varies in intensity, location and duration. Some individuals experience severe pain while others feel a dull aching pain. The pain typically runs through the buttocks and down the back of one leg. The pain may occur in both legs, but most commonly affects only one. Movement, prolonged standing and sitting, bending backwards and jarring motions such as sneezing and coughing may intensify the pain. Medications, rest, heat and ice may help relieve the discomfort of sciatica.
Numbness and Tingling
Damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve may cause feelings of numbness and tingling, especially in the legs. An individual may experience areas that do not have normal sensation and feel deadened when touched. The numbness may affect the mobility of the limb. Tingling feels like pins and needles pricking the skin. The foot and toes are common areas to experience the tingling sensation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Numbness and tingling may accompany the pain.
Muscular Weakness
Sciatica might cause muscular weakness in the lower extremities. The weakness may also affect the reflexes in the leg, causing them to appear abnormal, weakened or absent. The weakness occurs in the same leg as the pain, numbness and tingling. The most common weakness from sciatica occurs when moving the foot or bending the knee, according to Medline Plus.
Incontinence
Some individuals with a severe injury to the sciatic nerve, called cauda equina syndrome, experience incontinence along with the other symptoms of sciatica. Incontinence is a loss in control of the bowel or the bladder. Any loss of these functions, especially when coupled with a back injury, signifies a medical emergency for proper treatment to prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord.
