What Does Sciatic Nerve Pain Feel Like?

Like many people, you may think of sciatica either as a distinct condition or as a blanket term to describe any lower back or leg-related nerve pain. While these are common misconceptions and do describe sciatica in a way, its true definition is much more nuanced — referring to a number of issues or symptoms related to inflammation, compression, or other manipulations of the sciatic nerve. Unlike certain musculoskeletal aches and pains, which may be described as dull or heavy, sciatica pain is usually reported to be a burning, stinging, or shooting pain in the leg and/or buttocks.

Sciatic nerve pain is known to be excruciating for many people, interfering with even the simplest of activities — like sleeping or walking short distances. At Spine Care of North Texas, fellowship-trained and board-certified Dallas spine surgeon Dr. Kendall Carll understands the complexity of diagnosing and treating sciatica and is committed to helping patients regain the comfort and mobility they deserve. Learn more about what sciatica feels like, how sciatica is treated, and other important information to know about sciatic pain in Plano, TX.

Where is the sciatic nerve?

As the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve originates in the lumbar spine area and makes its way down the buttocks and through the legs. Because of its length and size — spanning much of the lower body — there are a number of ways in which the sciatic nerve may become compressed, pinched, or otherwise compromised. These sciatic nerve irritations — collectively known as sciatica — can trigger extremely painful and frustrating symptoms that may be acute, chronic, or intermittent. In any of these cases, patients find it difficult to work and even engage in light daily activities due to the intense symptoms of sciatica.

How do you know if it is sciatic pain?

A common question patients have regarding nerve pain, especially when it's shooting pain down the leg, is how to know if their pain is sciatica or something else. One of the best ways to determine whether your pain is sciatic is to see an experienced spine doctor, though there are some common signs that may point to the likelihood of sciatica vs. other conditions. For many patients, some of the most common symptoms of sciatica in Plano, TX include:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Pins and needles down the leg
• Shooting leg pain
• Searing pain in the buttocks or legs
• Sharp vs. dull pain
• Pain radiating down the leg
• Pain that gets worse when sitting
• Pain only down one leg

Will sciatica go away?

In some cases, sciatic nerve pain may calm over time, especially with nonsurgical and/or at-home sciatica remedies, including heat or ice (as directed), massage therapy, pain medications, or steroid injections. In other cases, surgery for sciatica may be necessary — such as when sciatica is caused by a herniated lumbar disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, or another serious physiologic issue. Following a thorough consultation and examination, Dr. Carll can make a definitive diagnosis and work closely with you on a personalized sciatica treatment plan that helps you find the rapid, long-lasting relief from sciatic pain you deserve.

Say "see you later" to sciatica with dedicated sciatic nerve pain treatment in North Texas

Sciatica can disrupt your everyday routines — and even your sleep — but it doesn't have to. If you're tired of hurting all the time because of sciatica, take the first step toward lasting pain relief today by contacting us at Spine Care of North Texas to schedule your consultation with board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Kendall Carll in Plano, TX.