- An inflamed sciatic nerve causes low back pain.pain ii image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
Sciatica can be a real pain in the back--and the rear, the legs, even the feet. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the base of the spine into the buttocks on each side of the body. When this nerve becomes inflamed, it can cause a number of debilitating symptoms. Disc disease, muscle strain or injury can all lead to inflammation of the sciatic nerve, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. - The pain of sciatica radiates from the lower back through the buttocks, down the thigh and into the calf and even into the foot. Usually only one side of the body is affected. Sitting for too long can aggravate the pain, which can range in intensity from mild to burning. Some people report the pain as seeming to originate from deep within the buttocks. Shifting position or a sudden cough or sneeze may temporarily worsen the pain because of increased pressure on the nerve.
- Some people experience numbness and tingling along with the pain. Your foot may have that pins-and-needles feeling of having fallen asleep. The Mayo Clinic reports that some people experience numbness in one part of the leg while another part may be quite painful.
- The side of the body affected by sciatica may feel weaker than the other side. If this weakness spreads to the bladder or bowel, this is known as cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious side effect of sciatica. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, the Mayo Clinic advises you seek medical care immediately.
