Symptoms.

Pain stemming from the lower back and through the legs ranging from a dull ache to sharp stabbing pain is the tell tale sign of Sciatica.

Location

Sciatica can affect anywhere along the sciatic nerve tract with the most common pain generally affecting the buttock and legs. In most cases sciatica only affects one side of the body.

Pain

Sciatica pain can present in a variety of ways and severities depending on the injury. Pain can range from a dull ache but is more commonly a sharp or searing pain that may also present as a pins and needles sensation, numbness, or weakness in the legs. 

Symptom causes

Symptoms can intensify in relation to certain movements or positions for example when sitting or standing opposed to lying down can cause the symptoms of Sciatica to be more intense. Actions such as sneezing, coughing, or rotating may also intensify pain. 

When to see a doctor.

​1.

Sudden severe pain or numbness.

Sudden pain or numbness can be a sign indicating a more serious underlying injury. If the symptoms of sciatica are unusually sudden or if the effected limbs become unusually numb it is a good idea to visit a doctor to conduct tests to determine the best course of action to treat the pain.

2.

Pain following injury.

Pain following an injury such as a motor accident or any other violent impact could be related to damage to the spine causing the sciatica and should be addressed by a physician to assure there aren't any more serious risk factors. 

3.

Symptoms occurring in both limbs.

It is incredibly rare for sciatica to affect both limbs, if the sciatica symptoms present in both sides of the buttocks and/or legs it would be recommended to consult a doctor to understand the cause for this anomaly.