First and Common Signs of Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition of pain felt along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips, and down each leg. It can be caused by a number of different issues, such as disc herniation, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Symptoms vary from person to person; however, there are some common signs that indicate you might have sciatica.

The most common first sign of sciatica is a pain in the low back or buttocks area. This type of discomfort is usually described as a dull ache that may become sharp when pressure or activity is applied to the area. Other telltale signs include:

• Numbness and tingling – Often felt in one or both legs, these sensations can worsen with sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Weakness in the affected leg – You may find it difficult to move your leg or foot once sciatica takes hold.
• Burning sensation – This symptom often occurs when pressure is put on certain areas of your lower back or buttock region.
• Pain while coughing or sneezing – This can result due to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve root caused by bending forward during these acts.

In addition to these physical symptoms, other warning signs include trouble sleeping due to pain, feeling worse after prolonged standing/sitting, and difficulty moving your leg even if you don’t feel any discomfort at rest. If you experience any of these indicators for more than a few days, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation so they can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that could be causing your sciatica.

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