What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Radiating leg pain may travel through the buttock and down the back or side of the thigh and calf, sometimes reaching the foot. Symptoms can feel electric, burning, aching, or stabbing and may worsen with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending. Leg numbness and tingling can occur in a patch that matches the irritated nerve. Some people notice weakness when lifting the foot, pushing off, or standing on one leg. Hip pain can overlap with sciatica, but pain limited to the hip does not establish a nerve problem.

Keep changing position and continue gentle activity that does not sharply increase leg symptoms. Avoid heavy lifting and twisting while the pain is intense, but prolonged bed rest can make movement harder. A clinician may check strength, sensation, reflexes, spine movement, and walking. Treatment can include physiotherapy, exercise therapy, and selected medication. If symptoms remain disabling or nerve compression is confirmed, an epidural steroid injection or microdiscectomy may be discussed in appropriate circumstances.

Get urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs. Seek prompt assessment for fever with severe back pain, major trauma, or unexplained illness. Arrange routine care when radiating pain, numbness, or weakness persists or limits walking, sleep, or work.

Ask which nerve findings are present, whether imaging would change management, and which activities are safe now. Discuss the expected role of physiotherapy and medication, and what progression of weakness or numbness should trigger urgent review.