Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain – and one of the most misunderstood. While many people assume sciatica is a condition itself, it’s actually a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body.
Understanding what sciatica feels like, what causes it, and when it’s time to see a spine specialist can help you get relief sooner and avoid long-term complications.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed or inflamed, it can trigger pain and neurological symptoms that travel along the nerve pathway.
Sciatica often develops gradually and may be linked to:
- Age-related spinal changes
- Obesity or excess pressure on the spine
- Prolonged sitting or a sedentary lifestyle
Jobs that require long hours of sitting, frequent driving, or air travel can significantly increase the risk of developing sciatica over time.
Common Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica is most often caused by a structural issue in the spine that places pressure on the nerve. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
- Bone spurs related to arthritis
- Piriformis syndrome, where a muscle irritates the nerve
- Diabetic nerve damage
- Pelvic injuries or trauma
- Tumors (rare, but serious)
A spine specialist can determine the exact cause through a physical exam and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Symptoms of Sciatica to Watch For
Sciatica symptoms typically affect only one side of the body and may range from mild to severe. The most common symptom is radiating pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the leg. In some cases, pain extends all the way into the foot.
Other symptoms may include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
- Sudden jolts of sharp pain
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Actions like sneezing, coughing, or standing after sitting for long periods can worsen discomfort.
When Is Sciatica an Emergency?
In rare cases, sciatica symptoms can signal a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention if sciatica symptoms are accompanied by:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden, severe weakness in the legs
- Symptoms following a serious accident or injury
These signs may indicate significant nerve compression that requires urgent care.
How Sciatica Is Treated
Most cases of sciatica improve without surgery. After diagnosis, treatment often includes a combination of:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice or heat therapy
- Physical therapy
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid injections
Many patients experience improvement within 6 to 8 weeks, though flare-ups can recur. Maintaining regular exercise and healthy movement habits plays a key role in prevention.
Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail or when nerve damage is progressing.
Schedule Sciatica Treatment in Fort Worth
If you’re experiencing persistent lower back pain, leg pain, or numbness that may be related to sciatica, expert care can make a difference. The team at DFW Center for Spinal Disorders provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help patients return to an active, pain-free life.
To schedule your sciatica consultation in Fort Worth, call (817) 916-4685 or request an appointment through the secure online form. The spine center conveniently serves patients in Dallas, Arlington, Mansfield, and Burleson.