Initial Stage: Acute pain begins, often feeling like a sharp, shooting pain from your lower back down one leg. You might also experience tingling or mild numbness.
Progressive Stage: Pain typically intensifies and may be accompanied by more noticeable numbness or tingling. Daily activities become more difficult, and you might start changing how you move to avoid pain.
Chronic Stage: If left untreated, pain becomes persistent and you might experience muscle weakness in your leg or foot. Some people develop chronic pain patterns that are harder to treat.
Recovery or Complications Stage: With proper treatment, most people recover well. However, without treatment, you might face long-term nerve damage, chronic pain, or recurring episodes. This stage determines whether you'll heal or develop ongoing issues.