Q. How do I know if I have sciatica?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Sciatica is a condition caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through both legs. The most common signs and symptoms associated with sciatica include:
Low back pain that radiates down one or both legs
Pain that worsens when sitting
Burning, tingling, and numbness in the affected area of the leg(s)
Difficulty moving or controlling your leg muscles
Muscle weakness in one or both thighs and/or legs
If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period of time (more than a few weeks), it's important to make an appointment with your doctor so they can diagnose what's causing it. Your doctor may conduct physical tests such as checking muscle strength and reflexes, as well as request imaging scans like X-rays or MRIs to confirm if sciatica is present. Additionally, depending on the severity of your condition, treatment plans could range from lifestyle changes (like stretching exercises), medication (such ibuprofen), epidural steroid injections to targeted physical therapy treatments such as manual massage therapy.
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