Overview
Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back down the back of one leg along the sciatic nerve, usually because a bulging spinal disc is pressing on a nerve root. The shooting, burning or electric pain can be intense, but most cases improve within weeks to a few months without surgery.
Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the buttock down the back of one leg
- Burning, shooting or electric-shock quality
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain worse with coughing, sneezing or sitting
- Weakness in the leg or foot in some cases
Causes & risk factors
- Bulging or herniated spinal disc pressing on a nerve
- Narrowing of the spinal canal with age
- Heavy lifting with poor technique
- Prolonged sitting and obesity
Treatment & self-care
Stay as active as the pain allows, use prescribed pain relief and avoid prolonged sitting; targeted physiotherapy exercises relieve nerve pressure and prevent recurrence. Most sciatica resolves without surgery, which is reserved for severe or persistent nerve compression. Avoid forceful unqualified manipulation of the spine.
See a doctor urgently if
- Numbness around the genitals or trouble controlling urine or stool — emergency
- Progressive leg weakness or foot drop
- Pain in both legs
- Severe pain not improving after several weeks