Sciatic nerve pain is one of the most common lower back disorders affecting people worldwide. It is also known as sciatic neuritis or sciatica. In this disorder, a person feels pain, numbness, and weakness along the path of the sciatic nerve. These discomforts begin at the spinal cord, traverse through the hips, and extend down the legs. If left unattended for a prolonged period, sciatic nerve pain worsens, leading to other complications.

What are the signs of sciatica?
The stinging and electric-like shocks that run down from the lower back to the leg are a telltale sign of sciatica. The other common symptoms include back and hip pain, inability to control bowel movements, muscle cramping, shooting pains that cause difficulty standing, and weakness, numbness, and tightness in the leg or foot. Some people also feel needle pricks throughout their legs. It is best not to ignore these signs and visit a doctor to determine the cause. Not doing so can lead to worsening symptoms. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend surgery or another suitable treatment.

Why should sciatic nerve pain not be ignored?
Here are the top reasons why one should not disregard the symptoms:

It can cause irreparable nerve damage
Leaving sciatic pain unattended could cause permanent nerve damage and weaken the back and legs. Over time, this pain could extend to other body parts. Moreover, this chronic pain may be hard to manage even with treatment. In some cases, the sensations become so severe that individuals find it challenging to perform even basic tasks.

It can cause a loss of sensation and motor control
In many cases, patients suffer a loss of sensation in the affected area, which is further accompanied by a loss of motor control. If sciatica progresses, it may extend to the lateral and posterior lower leg, which includes the plantar nerve. If this nerve is compressed for a prolonged period, it can cause a reduction and gradual cessation of sensation, resulting in further loss of movement.

It can lead to cauda equina syndrome
If left unaddressed, sciatic nerve pain might trigger cauda equina syndrome (CES). This condition causes permanent damage to the cauda equina, the bundle of nerve roots located at the spinal cord’s lower end. One could also suffer from permanent paralysis, a health emergency.

It is easier to treat when detected early
If detected on time, one can treat sciatica by undergoing non-invasive procedures, including physical therapy and some anti-inflammatory treatments. However, if left unattended, patients have to undergo surgery.

It affects psychological health
Besides physical stress, sciatica can cause mental and emotional stress, affecting the patient’s ability to function. One may experience irregular sleep and excruciating pain, which affect overall health and wellness.

It can lead to incontinence
Due to nerve compression, bowel and bladder movements get affected, leading to incontinence. It is usually a common symptom in patients who develop cauda equina syndrome. Incontinence can sometimes cause permanent damage that cannot be reversed.

It worsens neurological symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain can cause progressive neurological symptoms which need immediate treatment. These symptoms can affect one or both legs.

Fast facts about sciatic nerve pain
Here are some less-known and interesting facts about this health condition:

Men are more susceptible to the disorder
While sciatica can affect both men and women, men have a higher risk. As per a survey, men experience pain three times more than women. It is also more common in adults in their 40s and 50s.

Diabetes can also cause sciatica pain
Diabetic nerve pain can progress and lead to sciatic nerve pain. Further, diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, which can lead to numbness, burning, and shooting pain in the legs.

The disorder can change the way one walks
Due to lower body pain, patients might not be able to walk properly. Doctors suggest exercises and other treatments to improve a person’s walking pattern and posture.

Individuals can treat sciatica at home if detected on time
If detected early, one can follow at-home therapies, such as exercise, hot and cold therapies, and readily available anti-inflammatory treatment options. In extreme situations, individuals require doctor-recommend treatments or surgery.

Sciatic nerve pain is easily treatable, but the treatment varies depending on the symptoms’ severity, the patient’s age, health history, and the type of work or activities they perform. Individuals should seek professional help if they experience symptoms or complications like disability, loss of bowel or bladder control, and loss of leg movement. Doctors may recommend tests to determine the exact cause.