26/01/2026
🚩 What sciatica really is and its warning signs (red flags):
Sciatica is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve from the lower back through the hips and down each leg, typically caused by a pinched nerve, such as from a herniated disc. Common symptoms include sharp, burning, or shooting pain, often on one side, along with numbness or tingling (paresthesia). Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention include severe leg weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area.
➡️ Key Aspects of Sciatica
• Usage/Symptoms: Pain often starts in the lower back/buttocks and radiates down the leg. It is frequently described as an electric shock, burning, or numbness. Pain may worsen with sneezing, coughing, or sitting for long periods.
• Synonyms/Related Terms: Nerve root compression, lumbar radiculopathy, pinched nerve.
• Causes: Often caused by a herniated disc (slipped disc), spinal stenosis, or spinal injuries.
• Duration: Often acute, starting suddenly, but can become chronic if not managed.
➡️ Warning Signs (Red Flags)🚨🚨
• Seek immediate medical care (Emergency Room) if you experience these symptoms, which may indicate a severe condition like cauda equina syndrome:
• Sudden or severe numbness/weakness: In one or both legs.
Bowel or bladder dysfunction: Incontinence or difficulty urinating.
• Saddle anesthesia: Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs.
Pain after a major injury: Such as a car accident.
• Rapidly worsening symptoms: Pain that gets significantly worse over a short period.
Contact a healthcare professional if self-care measures do not improve symptoms within a week, if the pain is severe, or if the pain is worsening.