ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is a common symptom associated with sciatica?

1. Pain in the lower back only

2. Pain radiating down the leg

3. Sharp pain in the abdomen

4. Numbness in the fingers

The correct answer is: Pain radiating down the leg

Pain radiating down the leg is a hallmark symptom of sciatica. Sciatica typically occurs when the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down through the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can lead to pain that travels along the nerve pathway, often starting in the lower back and then radiating down one leg. Individuals may describe this pain as sharp, burning, or even as a tingling sensation, which points to the nerve's involvement. The other symptoms listed do not accurately represent sciatica. Pain confined solely to the lower back does not capture the essence of sciatica since it primarily involves radiating discomfort. Sharp pain in the abdomen is not characteristic of sciatica, as the pain is specifically associated with nerve issues in the lower back and legs. Lastly, numbness in the fingers is unrelated to sciatica, as it pertains to nerve issues usually arising from the cervical spine rather than the lumbar region where sciatica originates. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why radiating leg pain is essential for identifying sciatica.