The Different Types Of Sciatic Nerve Pain

If you’re living with sciatic pain, you know that every day can be a struggle. Some days the pain can be manageable and not cause any issues until a sudden stretch makes your back and leg light up in agony. Sciatica is a condition caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disk or a bone spur that is putting pressure on the nerve at its base. In other cases, this condition is the result of a tumor or damage from diseases that can include diabetes. Read on to learn a bit more about sciatica and its sources.

The Various Types Of Sciatica Pain

What kind of pain you experience as a result of your sciatica is directly related to which areas of your back are affected. Symptoms vary based on location, with each of the nerve roots providing a different sensation and set of pain signals resulting from this condition.

• L4 Nerve Root – When pain is being caused by issues near the L3-L4 area of your back you may begin to experience weakness in your foot including an inability to raise your foot upwards. The knee-jerk reaction may be impaired, and numbness or pain may be experienced in the feet and legs.

• L5 Nerve Root – Issues stemming from this area affect different areas of the foot, specifically the top of the foot, the second and big toes, and weakness in the ankle. Sensations can include pain, numbness, and weakness.

• S1 Nerve Root – Ankle-jerk reflex impairment may be present in patients experiencing issues stemming from this area. Additionally, pain and numbness of the outside of the foot, known medically as the lateral part of the foot, can be present, in addition with difficulty lifting the heel off the ground and walking on the tips of your toes.

These symptoms are all very common in this condition and are not all-inclusive nor definitive. Experiences can vary based on the source of your pain and the conditions leading to it.

What Can Cause Sciatica and Sciatica Like Symptoms

The most common conditions that can lead to sciatica include spondylolisthesis, spinal arthritis, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and osteophytes. While these are the cause of most instances of sciatica, there are other conditions that can create sciatica-like symptoms. These include piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, among others.

If you’re experiencing pain you suspect may be caused by sciatica and are looking for solutions to help you live an active and healthy life, contact Delaware Valley Pain and Spine in Chalfont, PA. Their office serves their surrounding area with exemplary care, working to find solutions that will help restore normal function through their work with Dr. Todd Bromberg. Call and schedule an appointment today to receive an examination that will begin your road to greater quality of life and treatment for your symptoms. Don’t let sciatica take away your freedom and mobility, contact Delaware Valley Pain and Spine today!