The typical symptom is nerve pain (sciatica), which – in contrast to localized back pain – is felt throughout the sciatic nerve, radiating from the lumbar region into the buttocks to the outside and back of the affected leg and to the foot. Often the pain is worse in the leg than in the back. It may “shoot in” suddenly, rise and fall in waves, or persist – usually pulling. As a result of the pain at the nerve exit site, the surrounding muscles next to the spine tense up, increasing the pain and leading to a relieving posture, usually with the trunk bending sideways.
Numbness and tingling as additional symptoms.
In addition to pain, the nerve irritation in the affected supply areas can also lead to loss of information and thus to corresponding deficits: Numbness, tingling like ants walking, increased sensitivity and burning or muscle weakness up to paralysis.
Often certain activities or postures intensify the complaints: For example, bending forward with the legs extended to the tips of the toes or lifting the extended leg in the supine position stretches the sciatic nerve, causing it to hurt more (Lasègue’s sign). The doctor takes advantage of this phenomenon during the examination. Coughing or sneezing, sitting or standing can also aggravate the pain, while walking often improves it.
The following symptoms are indicative of an emergency requiring surgery as a result of nerve crushing (compression):
- Numbness between the legs
- New disturbances in bladder or rectal function (urinary dribbling, fecal incontinence).
You should immediately consult a specialist!
How is the diagnosis made?
Often, the symptoms and the spread of the complaints, as well as the results of the physical examination are already so typical that the doctor can easily make the diagnosis. However, the severity of the pain and extent of the discomfort do not indicate the cause. Depending on the case, further examinations follow, e.g., computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
