Leg Pain / Sciatica

The term sciatica describes symptoms of leg pain, and in some cases tingling, numbness or weakness, that originate in the lower back and travel through the buttock and down the course of the sciatic nerve at the back of the leg. Leg pain caused by sciatica is commonly associated with conditions affecting the lumbar spine.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica is often characterised by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Constant pain affecting one side of the buttock or leg, although it can rarely occur in both legs
• Pain that is worse when sitting
• Leg pain described as burning, tingling or searing rather than a dull ache
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Sharp pain that may make standing or walking difficult

The severity and frequency of sciatic leg pain can vary widely. Symptoms may range from infrequent and irritating to constant and significantly limiting. The exact pattern of symptoms depends on the underlying cause, such as a lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

Although sciatica can be painful and at times debilitating, it is uncommon for permanent damage to the sciatic nerve to occur. Early assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Sciatica Symptoms and the Sciatic Nerve

Sciatica symptoms develop when the sciatic nerve or its contributing nerve roots are irritated or compressed within the lumbar spine.

The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body. It is formed by individual nerve roots that exit the lower spine and combine to create a single large nerve that supplies sensation and movement to much of the leg.

• The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, beginning at lumbar segment L3
• At each level of the lower spine, nerve roots exit the spinal canal and join together to form the sciatic nerve
• The nerve then travels through the buttock and down the back of each leg
• Branches of the sciatic nerve supply the thigh, calf, foot and toes

The specific symptoms of sciatica, including leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, depend on which nerve root is affected. For example, compression of the L5 nerve root may cause weakness in extension of the big toe and may also affect ankle movement.

A detailed clinical assessment by a Spine Surgeon in Nottingham can help determine the cause of leg pain or sciatica and establish the most appropriate treatment plan.