What happens if sciatica is not treated?

Sciatica describes irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower back, with symptoms that can travel through the buttock and leg. Ongoing irritation may disturb sleep, sitting, walking or work. Weakness can affect foot or leg control and may alter how you move. Sciatica can have different causes, including a disc problem, spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis; piriformis syndrome can produce similar leg symptoms. Persistent buttock pain or hip pain also needs a careful examination rather than self-diagnosis.

Book an assessment when symptoms are persistent, worsening or limiting normal activity. The clinician may check strength, reflexes, sensation, spinal movement and walking, then select treatment according to the cause. Staying gently active is often preferable to prolonged bed rest, but avoid movements that sharply worsen leg pain or weakness. Options may include guided rehabilitation, medicines, an Epidural Steroid Injection in selected cases, or Microdiscectomy when a structural problem and symptoms warrant it.

Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs. Obtain prompt assessment for a foot that is suddenly difficult to lift, severe unrelenting pain, fever with back pain, or symptoms after significant injury.

Which nerve appears affected? Do I need imaging or nerve testing? What activity is safe while symptoms settle? What changes would make an injection or surgery appropriate?