What is Sciatica?
Sciatic is a pain that extends from the lower back region down either leg. Typically the pain is one leg or the other. The pain could be mild cramping or a severe agonizingly sharp sensation that makes standing or sitting difficult. The pain can be an unexpected discomfort or it can increase in severity over time.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Symptoms of sciatica include pain, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling of the muscles and in extreme cases can include a difficulty in bladder or bowel control. The pain can make it nearly impossible to bend your knee, place weight on foot, or wiggle toes. The pain could be intensified when sitting for long periods of time, when coughing, or even sneezing.
When should you see a Doctor?
Typically mild forms of sciatica will improve with time without any treatment. If the pain is unbearable, does not seem to be lessening with time, or is actually increasingly becoming worse, then a call to your physician is required. Also, if at any point you realize you cannot control your bladder or bowels, then you must seek immediate medical attention.
Prognosis of Sciatica
Living with Sciatica does not have to mean living in pain. There are methods to reduce the pain, lessen the discomfort, and go about your daily life without interruption. Whether it be at-home remedies or physican-ordered remedies, the goal is to reduce and eliminate the pain.
The pain should decrease and eventually vanish on its own, but there is help if the pain lingers or becomes worse. Physicians can provide treatment, medication, and medical options to alleviate the pain. The pain of Sciatica will go away with the right treatment and a little patience.
