Different Types of Sciatica
Now that you know how to detect sciatica, it’s also important to know what type of sciatica you may have. You can differentiate between the various types based on the duration and how the pain affects you. The following are the types of sciatica.
Acute sciatica – This is usually the beginning of the condition which will go away within four to eight weeks of the sciatic nerve pain. Acute sciatica does not necessarily require a doctor’s visit.
Chronic sciatica – The pain in your sciatic nerve is persistent and will last beyond eight weeks. It is a bit tricky to manage this type on your own which is why it is important to spot the condition early. It is often treated with surgical or non-surgical remedies.
Alternating sciatica – As the name implies, this type affects both legs alternately. It isn’t common and often stems from issues with the sacroiliac joint.
Bilateral sciatica – This is when the sciatic nerve pain occurs in both legs at the same time. It is a rare and serious condition and can be caused by degeneration in the vertebrae and disc at multiple spinal levels. Cauda Equina syndrome is an example of this condition.
Finally, there’s a term called Wallet Sciatica. This is a sciatic nerve pain you feel when you sit on your wallet or any item in your back pocket.
