Pain Research, Translated: Why Function Matters as Much as Pain Scores
A plain-English pain research explainer on why function, sleep, walking, activity, and quality of life matter alongside pain scores.
What You Should Know About Sciatica Pain
Contrary to popular belief, the term “sciatica” refers to a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Sciatica describes the numerous types of lower leg pain including chronic leg pain, leg tingling and weakness, and more. Typically, sciatica pain originates in the bottom portion of your lower back and radiates towards the hips and into the sciatic nerve, which is located along the back of your leg.
Most Common Symptoms
The most common sciatic symptoms include:
- Chronic leg pain on one side of the leg
- Chronic foot pain
- Chronic buttock pain
- Pain that worsens when seated
- Burning, tingling, and/or numbness in your leg or foot
- Difficulty standing and walking
Chronic sciatica pain may vary in intensity ranging from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, sciatica pain can be so intense that it can prevent individuals from performing their normal day-to-day activities. Luckily, permanent damage to the actual sciatica nerve is extremely rare.
Causes of Chronic Sciatica Pain
The most typical cause of sciatica is back pain. But, other causes like pregnancy, severe muscle strain, a spinal tumor, or even infection, can lead to sciatica pain. The providers at Pain Specialty Group have outlined the most common causes of sciatica pain:
- Herniated Lumbar Disc/”Slipped disk” - Occurs when the inner core of vertebral disks leak out through the outer core and press on the nerve root.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction - Occurs when the sacroiliac joint in the low back irritates the nerves at the L5 level, resulting in symptoms similar to sciatica pain.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - This condition occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrow, resulting in sciatica pain. Spinal stenosis is common in those over the age of 65, as this condition is a natural part of aging.
The expert providers at Pain Specialty Group can treat your sciatica pain and develop a specialized plan of care for you. Book an appointment here.
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