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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and travels into the hips, buttocks, and down the legs. It waxes and wanes, causing episodes or flare-ups (periods of pain and other symptoms) that can last up to six weeks. The duration of a sciatica episode may vary depending on the severity of the cause, the severity of other lower back and hip symptoms, and whether the sciatica is acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Most people experience sciatica nerve pain if the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve become pinched or compressed. Sciatica typically affects one side of the body. This article explores the symptoms of sciatica, how to treat it, how long it lasts, and when to contact a healthcare provider. Aflo Images / Getty Images What Does Sciatica Feel Like? The term "sciatica" refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. You have two sciatic nerves, one on each side of the body. Your sciatic nerve originates in the spinal cord in the lower back. It starts in the lower back and runs down the back of the leg. Nerve compression in the lower back can cause pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve, starting at the lower back and down to the bottom of the foot. A primary symptom of sciatica is nerve pain that runs from the lower back down the buttock and down the back of the thigh. Symptoms typically affect the leg or buttock and are even felt below the knee. But this may vary from person to person. In addition to pain, sciatica also causes:Leg weaknessNumbnessTinglingAching Burning Muscle spasms and cramping Difficulty moving the leg on the affected sideBowel and bladder changes if sciatica is severe Sciatica symptoms are worse when sitting or coughing. Walking, bending, and sitting for too long may also worsen symptoms. Some people might also experience worsening symptoms at night because they lie in one position. Causes About 10% of people with lower back pain have sciatica. Sciatica is more common after age 40. Various conditions can lead to sciatica, including:A herniated discDegenerative disc diseaseSpinal stenosisForaminal stenosisSpondylolisthesisOsteoarthritisInjuriesPregnancyCauda equina syndromeA spinal tumor (rare) How Long Does Sciatica in Pregnancy Last? Some people may experience sciatica pain while pregnant. Sciatica is more common in the third trimester of pregnancy. Fortunately, sciatica typically resolves after childbirth. Sciatica is either acute or chronic. Acute sciatica refers to one sciatic attack or episode that resolves in a week or two, but sometimes, acute episodes can take up to six weeks to resolve. Acute sciatica might become chronic, where you experience sciatica pain regularly. Acute Sciatica Episodes of
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