Sciatica is a common pain that happens because of pressure or pinching around the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a particularly large nerve in the body that spreads all the way from the lower portion of the spine, throughout the buttocks, and into the calf of each leg.

Often, cases of sciatica are more likely to happen in the lower section of the body, from the buttocks downwards. Additionally, most sciatica cases only affect one side of the body at a time, although the pain can extend from the back all the way down to the foot or the toes. If you think that you might be struggling with this condition, it’s important to know the common symptoms for sciatica in buttocks and legs.

The Common Symptoms for Sciatica in Buttocks:

The symptoms and discomfort caused by sciatica can happen anywhere where the sciatic nerve is present. For many people, the pain that occurs as a result of sciatica is both debilitating and severe. On the other hand, some people find that the pain is irritating, but not necessarily enough to stop them from enjoying their regular life. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms surrounding sciatica whenever possible so you can seek assistance if necessary.

Remember, you should always seek medical attention from a health professional immediately if you suffer from some of the more significant symptoms of sciatica around the buttocks, including extremity weakness, numbness in your thighs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder. Usually, the most common symptoms for sciatica in buttocks include pain, discomfort around the hips, a numbness or weakness around the buttocks area, or feelings of burning, shooting pains, or tingling around the rear.
You might find that your sciatica makes it difficult for you to walk or stand up normally, without the help of a stable object or another person.

What Causes Sciatica in the First Place?

Once you know the symptoms of sciatica that you should be aware of, it’s also worth coming to terms with the usual causes of sciatica, so you can avoid this condition whenever possible. In most cases, sciatica is caused when the nerve roots in the lower lumbar are irritated for some reason. This can be a result of a process called lumbar spinal stenosis, when the spinal canal in the lower back begins to become narrower. On the other hand, sciatica can sometimes happen when the discs in your spine begin to break down as a result of a degenerative disease.

Pregnancy, muscle spasms, and obesity can also increase your risk of suffering from sciatica. Some people end up getting this condition because they sleep on a mattress that isn’t right for them, or wear high-heels too often.

Generally, sciatic nerve pain will go away by itself with time. However, you should contact a doctor if the pain persists, or the discomfort feels as though it’s getting progressively worse. Remember, severe pain or muscle weakness is a sign that something isn’t right, and also with the condition where you cannot control your bladder or bowels.