Sciatica

Sciatica is pain, tingling, numbness or weakness caused by irritation of a nerve root supplying the leg. Symptoms often travel from the lower back or buttock down one side, although patterns vary. Sciatica describes a nerve-related pattern rather than a single structural diagnosis.

Sciatica commonly presents with radiating leg pain and leg numbness and tingling. Buttock pain is also common, while hip pain can occur and may make the source less clear. Coughing, sneezing, bending or prolonged sitting may increase symptoms. Weakness may affect lifting the foot, pushing off or controlling the knee.

A disc bulge or herniation can irritate a nerve root. Narrowing around the spinal canal or nerve exit, vertebral slippage and changes related to wear can do the same. Piriformis syndrome is another possible explanation for sciatic-type symptoms. Examination is needed because back, hip and nerve conditions can overlap.

Symptoms may begin suddenly after lifting or develop gradually. Irritation can settle as inflammation reduces and normal movement returns, but persistent compression or repeated strain may prolong recovery. Track changes in pain, sensation, strength and walking rather than pain alone, because worsening weakness needs prompt review.

Risk can increase with repeated lifting, prolonged sitting, physically demanding work, smoking, previous back episodes and reduced trunk conditioning. Age-related changes in the spine may narrow spaces around nerves. These factors do not establish the cause of an individual episode; the symptom pattern and examination remain central.

A clinician maps the pain and altered sensation, tests strength and reflexes, and checks walking, spine movement and hip function. Imaging is considered when symptoms persist, findings suggest significant nerve compression, or a procedure is being planned. The examination also screens for conditions that need urgent care.

Treatment depends on symptoms, examination findings and function. Anti-inflammatory medication may be considered when suitable for your health history. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy can address movement, strength, nerve sensitivity and return to activity. An epidural steroid injection may be discussed for selected persistent leg pain. Microdiscectomy is considered for specific nerve compression when symptoms remain disabling or neurological loss progresses.

Keep changing position and continue gentle activity that does not worsen neurological symptoms. Avoid prolonged bed rest, use lifting strategies that limit strain, and follow the exercise plan gradually. Note whether numbness or weakness is spreading, and share this information at review rather than waiting for pain to become severe.

Seek urgent assessment for new bladder or bowel difficulty, numbness around the groin, rapidly increasing leg weakness or severe symptoms in both legs. Fever, major trauma or unexplained systemic illness with back pain also needs prompt medical review. These signs can indicate a problem requiring more than routine sciatica care.

Build lifting, sitting and exercise habits gradually. Strengthen the trunk and hips, keep moving during long journeys or desk work, and use technique advice for repeated tasks. Address recurring episodes with a clinician so contributing movement, work or health factors can be reviewed.

A physiotherapist, spine specialist, neurologist or orthopaedic clinician can assess sciatica. Choose a service that checks neurological function, explains why imaging or an intervention is being considered, and provides a clear plan for monitoring strength and sensation.