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Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica

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What exactly defines sciatica? Sciatic pain is felt mostly in the lumbar region and when the nerve is trapped the pain will be felt in the lumbar region which is the lower back.
This pain can also be felt below the knee as well as behind the thigh.
A trapped nerve is commonly referred to as sciatica.
The sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in the body.
This nerve starts at the nerve roots which is situated in the lumbar spine region and extends to the lumbar back region and all the way through to the buttock.
All nerve endings are sent down to the lower limbs via the sciatic nerve.
Lumbar disc herniation is the major cause of severe pain as the disc presses on the nerve.
Due to the disc pressing the nerve, the nerve in turn becomes irritated and inflamed and will cause one to experience sciatica pain.
Nerve inflammation is caused by abnormal intervertebral discs and professionals term this as radiculopathy.
Other signs and symptoms that may be the cause of sciatica include infection, muscle injury, internal bleeding and tumors.
Such symptoms cause inflammation and irritation of the nerve although a nerve that is pinched is the most common cause.
During pregnancy it is extremely common for women to suffer from lower back pain as the sciatic nerve can become inflamed and irritated due to the pressure and weight.
Additional signs and symptoms of sciatica is symptoms such as tingling, severe pain, numbness and a burning sensation which is felt down the legs and lower back area.
Included in the symptoms is pain radiating from the upper buttock as well as down the back of the thighs and can extend to the back of the legs.
Hip pain can also be experienced which will radiate to the hips and around the buttocks.
Lumbago or sciatica is mostly associated with lower back pain.
However, some people never experience lower back pain although there are people that may find it difficult to walk when the nerve is pinched or inflamed.
People that experience severe pain, usually find partial or complete relief when they lie down or change positions.
A definite diagnosis of sciatica can be made when a doctor performs tests such as an electromyogram, CT scan, x-rays or a MRI.
Such tests will define the cause as well as indicate if the patient is suffering from a nerve that is pinched.
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