Symptoms
Sciatica causes symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Typical symptoms include:
- Burning, tingling, or a shooting pain down the back of one leg
-
Pain in one leg or buttock that is worse with:
- Sitting
- Standing up
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Straining
- Weakness or numbness in a leg or foot
More serious symptoms associated with sciatica that may require immediate medical attention include:
- Progressive weakness in a leg or foot
- Difficulty walking, standing, or moving
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of illness
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your back, hips, and legs. The physical exam will include tests for strength, flexibility, sensation, and reflexes.
Other tests may include:
- X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
- MRI Scan —a test that uses magnetic and radio waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
- CT Scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
- Nerve conduction study —a test in which an electrical current is passed through a nerve to determine the health or disease of that nerve
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Sciatica Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
294 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
- Hip pain in middle of the night; dull ache that wakes me up. What could it be? 1,853 reads 139 comments
- Pins and Needles Toes: Sciatica, Circulatory or Other Condition? 688 reads 38 comments
- Diagnosis of Low Back Pain and Sciatica 0 reads 0 comments
- Sciatica Prevention Tips - Dr. Ramin Raiszadeh (VIDEO) 0 reads 0 comments
Connect with Women Like You 124 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
