Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back down your leg, making even simple movements difficult. If you’re experiencing nerve pain, tingling, or muscle weakness in your legs, you may be dealing with sciatica symptoms.

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, we help patients in Granville and Coshocton, OH, find relief from sciatica pain with expert diagnosis and treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that results from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower spine and extends down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. When this nerve becomes compressed, it can cause sciatic nerve pain, affecting one or both legs.

Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of sciatica vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily activities. Common sciatica symptoms include:

Sharp or burning leg pain that radiates from the lower back
Numbness or tingling along the affected leg
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Worsening pain when sitting, standing, or bending
Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases

Several conditions can diagnose sciatica, including:

Herniated disk – When a spinal disk bulges and presses on the spinal nerves
Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing nerves
Bone spurs – Overgrowth of bone in the spine that pinches the nerve
Injuries – Trauma affecting the spinal cord or lower back

Risk Factors

The risk factors for sciatica include age, obesity, prolonged sitting, and physically demanding jobs.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Sciatica?

If you’re experiencing sciatic nerve pain, rest and at-home treatments may help initially. Applying ice or heat, stretching, and avoiding prolonged sitting can ease discomfort. However, if symptoms persist, professional evaluation is recommended.

If you’re in Granville, Newark, Coshocton, Heath, or Buckeye Lake, our specialists at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine can assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.

When Should I See a Doctor for Sciatica?

While mild cases of sciatica pain may resolve with rest, you should seek medical attention if:

Pain lasts longer than a few weeks or worsens over time
You experience significant muscle weakness in the affected leg
Numbness, tingling, or loss of bowel or bladder control occurs
At-home treatments provide no relief

How is Sciatica Treated?

Treatment for sciatic nerve pain depends on its severity and underlying cause. Common treatments include:

Physical therapy – Strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve
Medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to reduce pain
Injections – Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation
Chiropractic care – Spinal adjustments to improve alignment and reduce nerve pressure
Surgery – In cases of spinal stenosis, herniated disks, or persistent nerve compression

Recovery

With the right treatment, most people recover from sciatica symptoms within a few weeks. However, some cases require ongoing physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrence. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing good posture can reduce risk factors for sciatica.

Find Sciatica Relief Today

If you’re struggling with sciatica pain, Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine offers expert care to help you find relief. Our team in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward recovery!

Medically reviewed by Eric Erb, MD