Each one of us is unique, and this means that each of us will have different signs and symptoms when it comes to diagnosing sciatica.

There are many conditions that can cause the compression of the lumbar, sacral and sciatic nerves, so it stands to reason that each person may experience a different set of symptoms when dealing with sciatica.

However, there are a few sciatica symptoms that tend to be universal no matter what your specific situation is and these include:

– Shooting pain (also known as lightening pain) down the lower back, hips and radiating into the legs
– Tingling sensations in the lower back, buttocks, legs and possibly extending to the foot
– Numbness in the lower back, buttocks or legs
– Weakness on the affected side

Sciatica is a unique condition, as it tends to be a symptom of other conditions as well. For instance, individuals who suffer from a variety of spine or back issues such as Spondylolisthesis (the forward sliding of the vertebrae) or spinal stenosis often experience sciatica as a symptom of their condition.

However, sciatica can also be the result of your lifestyle. For instance, a person who lives a sedentary lifestyle might suffer from sciatica. An individual that works in a career involving the twisting of their back and lifting heavy objects may suffer from this pain.

Professional drivers often suffer from sciatica as well those who engage in prolonged periods of sitting behind the wheel of a truck or bus.

Determining Sciatica:

When determining sciatica, patients (or you) may be asked to perform several movements that will help to determine the underlying cause and location of the nerve compression causing the pain they are experiencing.

For instance, you may be asked to squat, bend forward and backward, walk on your toes, raise one leg at a time or even lie on your back and perform various movements of your hips and legs. If pain increases during one of these activities, a physiotherapist is able to determine where the nerve compression is taking place.

After this determination has been made, the physiotherapist can recommend the appropriate treatment for the nerve compression that you may be experiencing.

If you suffer from this type of back pain, it’s a good idea to visit your physician for a diagnosis, and consider a physiotherapist for sciatica treatment.

Engage in regular stretching exercises that will help keep joints and ligaments as limber as possible, as well as to helping to relieve pressure buildup from tight muscles and pinched nerves.

Sciatica is no fun. It’s hard to do anything when you’re suffering from flare-ups, and that includes finding a comfortable position to sit, stand or lie down. Do yourself, and your back a favor – get it checked out and follow your doctor’s advice.