Do you have pain in your waist that radiates to your hip? You may be suffering from sciatica – Check the symptoms and ways to deal with it.

Sciatica is the pain caused when the sciatic nerve is irritated and usually runs down one leg. Essentially, anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain ranging from mild to severe.

What causes sciatica: Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed nerve in the lumbar region of the spine and is not related to the hip, as many people think.

Sciatica is common in people aged between 30 and 50 years old. Women are more likely to develop sciatica during pregnancy due to the extra pressure on the sciatic nerve.

The 5 symptoms that indicate you have sciatica and should worry you: • Weakness in the knee • Pain when walking • No pain when pressure is applied during exercise • Inability to lift the affected limb • Frequent visits to the toilet

How to tell if you have sciatica: A simple test that doctors use to confirm the presence of sciatica is as follows: Lie down with your legs stretched out and lift the affected leg to an angle between 30 and 70 degrees.

If pain radiates down the leg below the knee and/or to the toes, the symptom is likely to be sciatica.

If you think you have sciatica, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

In summary, sciatica is a type of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe and is common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. If you experience any of the symptoms listed, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.