As we get older, new aches and pains gradually become part of our daily routine. Some discomforts follow predictable patterns—you might find yourself thinking “I can’t lift heavy boxes like I used to” or “I need to be more careful getting out of that recliner.” Other pains arrive unexpectedly, linger for a few days, then disappear without explanation or recurrence.
Sciatica is one of those conditions that goes both ways. This condition has a way of cropping up repeatedly but unexpectedly, with symptoms that might be familiar or different each time.
We understand that a lot of folks tend to want to downplay its impact on their life or assume it will resolve on its own. But the reality is that if you’re experiencing sciatica pain, it’s likely already affecting your daily routine in ways you may not fully realize.
The good news? Sciatica can be effectively treated. Understanding what sciatica feels like and recognizing symptoms that aren’t a “normal” part of the aging process can help you take the right steps toward relief and prevent the condition from worsening over time.
Common symptoms of sciatica pain
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of your sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. This isn’t just ordinary back pain—sciatica creates a distinct set of sensations that can range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.
Sharp, shooting pain
The hallmark of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down through your buttock and into your leg. Many people describe this sensation as shocking or lightning-like. The pain often follows a specific route, typically affecting the back or side of your thigh and potentially extending all the way down to your foot.
Burning or tingling sensations
Sciatica frequently causes burning sensations along the affected nerve pathway. You might also experience tingling or “pins and needles” feelings, particularly in your foot or toes. These sensations can be constant or intermittent, often becoming more noticeable when you’re sitting or lying down.
Numbness and weakness
The affected leg may feel numb or weak during sciatica flare-ups, making it difficult to move your foot or leg normally. You might notice that your leg feels heavy or that you have trouble lifting your foot when walking. This weakness can affect your balance and make everyday activities more challenging.
Pain that worsens with certain movements
Sciatica pain typically intensifies with specific movements or positions. Coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements often trigger sharp pain episodes. Many people find that sitting for extended periods makes their symptoms worse, while walking or changing positions may provide temporary relief.
Lower back pain
While radiating leg pain is the primary symptom, sciatica often includes lower back pain as well. This back pain might be constant or occur only during certain activities. The combination of back and leg pain with sciatica is a distinction from other types of back problems.
Common triggers of sciatica pain
Understanding what activities or body positions tend to trigger sciatica pain makes it easier to describe your symptoms to others, including a healthcare provider. Many people with sciatica also find it helps to modify or temporarily avoid certain activities to manage their symptoms.
Prolonged sitting
Sitting for long periods is one of the most common triggers for sciatica pain. Whether you’re working at a desk, driving, or watching television, extended sitting can compress the sciatic nerve and intensify sciatica pain when you get up. Many office workers first notice their sciatica symptoms during or after long workdays.
Bending and lifting
Activities that involve bending forward or lifting objects, especially heavy items, frequently trigger sciatica pain. The forward-bending motion can increase pressure on the discs in your lower spine, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve. Even routine activities like picking up groceries or gardening can become problematic.
Sudden movements
Quick, jerky movements often cause sharp pain episodes in people with sciatica. This might include sudden twisting motions, reaching overhead, or even something as simple as getting out of bed too quickly. Many people with sciatica pain move more slowly to avoid triggering pain.
Prolonged standing
While sitting often worsens sciatica, standing in one position for extended periods can also be problematic. Activities like cooking, waiting in lines, or attending events where you stand for long periods may increase your discomfort.
Exercise and physical activity
Certain types of physical activity can trigger sciatica pain, though this varies significantly between individuals. High-impact activities, exercises that involve twisting or bending, or activities that put stress on the lower back may worsen symptoms.
However, avoiding exercise entirely probably isn’t the best idea, as movement is generally helpful for managing and preventing sciatica flare-ups.
Physical therapy can help you live through sciatica pain
If you’re experiencing sciatica symptoms, physical therapy offers some of the most effective treatment options available. Rather than simply avoiding all the things that have caused you pain, therapy for sciatica addresses the underlying causes and helps restore normal function to your spine and surrounding muscles.
Everyone’s physical therapy plan for sciatica will be different and targeted to their unique anatomy and health history. In general, we utilize the following types of therapy to help folks manage sciatica pain in the moment and in the long term:
- Targeted exercises and stretching
- Manual therapy techniques
- Posture and movement education
- Non-medication pain management strategies
Take the next step toward sciatica relief
Sciatica pain doesn’t have to control your life. While the sharp, shooting pain and other symptoms can be incredibly disruptive, effective sciatica pain treatment is available to help you return to your normal activities. Start your journey to managing sciatica and reclaiming your normal lifestyle by setting up your first appointment with our team. Get started by calling a nearby Back in Motion clinic or by requesting an appointment online today.