Nerve pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and other sciatica symptoms vary depending on the person. The locations of the symptoms may also vary. Pain may be felt in the buttock, back of the thighs, calves, and even the toes. Sciatica pain can be traced by pinpointing where the injured or irritated nerve can be found. Common sciatica symptoms may come from the following:
- Sciatica from L4 nerve root
If sciatica symptoms come from the L3-L4 level, symptoms may include pain and numbness in the medial lower leg and foot. Patients with L4 nerve root sciatica may be unable to bring their foot upwards to do heel walks and may have a weaker knee-jerk reflex.
- Sciatica from L5 nerve root
Patient who experience sciatica symptoms from the L5 level may feel weak in their big to extension and ankle. Sciatica symptoms from this level include pain and numbness at the top of the foot, specifically in the web between the big toe and second toe.
- Sciatica from S1 nerve root
Sciatica symptoms coming from the L5-S1 level or at the bottom of the spine include pain and numbness in the lateral of the foot, weakness, and difficulty in raising the heel of the ground and walking on tiptoes, as well as a weaker ankle-jerk reflex.
The above mentioned are the most common types of sciatica symptoms, though unique anatomical variances, degree/characteristics of specific pathology, and other factors may also play a big role in the symptoms that are observed. Sciatica may also originate from other lower back conditions. A lumbar herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatic nerve pain, as well as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, osteophytes, and spine arthritis.
While it is true that lower back problems are the most common causes of sciatica symptoms, sciatica-like symptoms may also come from:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causing pressure on the sacral nerve roots
Patients with this condition report pain or numbness, similar to a deep ache, in the leg.
- Piriformis syndrome causing pressure on the sciatic nerve
Piriformis syndrome comes from tightened and irritated sciatic nerve due to pressure. Symptoms include sciatica-like pain and numbness in the leg. Pain is reportedly more intense above the knee and starts in the rear rather than the lower back area.
- Pregnancy
Sciatica symptoms can also be seen with pregnant people are carrying the extra weight of the baby.
