Yea, worse. Imagine hallowing out your leg, pouring in hot coals while the nerves remain fully functional and the coals cause them to scream. That was my experience along with a 24/7 quadriceps cramp until surgery months down the road. Way worse than the kidney stones I’ve had which put me on my knees at one point.
Sciatica.
A really bad thing.
I never used to have much sympathy for folks who claimed “bad backs” until it happened to me.
Luckily in my case I was able to get it fixed and 10 yrs later it hasn’t recurred.