With sciatica, a sharp pain is usually experienced, which can affect us when sitting, standing or walking.
“Sciatica” is the pain that occurs when the nerve of the same name becomes inflamed, which, in turn, is usually a consequence of clamping or compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots.
Possible causes include the following:
- Herniated disc.
- bone spur
- Nerve or sheath tumors.
- Maintaining an incorrect posture for a long time, when sitting, for example.
There are also risk factors that can predispose or trigger sciatic nerve pain. For example, jobs that require a lot of effort with the back (when carrying heavy packages) or that require us to remain seated for a long time (drivers, seamstresses, tailors, office staff).
On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and age condition changes in the spine. In particular, being overweight can increase the strain on the back. Also, diabetes is among the risk factors, since this disease increases the chances of nerve damage (painful diabetic neuropathy).
As for the symptoms of sciatica, the pain radiates along the nerve, feeling at the end of the spine (lower back), in the buttocks or in the back of the thigh. It usually affects only one side of the body.
It may be experienced as a continuous stitch or as pinpricks. In addition, it is accompanied by a sensation of heat, burning or tingling, as well as difficulty moving the leg, walking or keeping the back straight.