Overview
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Usually sciatica affects only one side of the body. It is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compressing the nerve root. Most cases of sciatica improve within 4–6 weeks with conservative treatment.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Sciatica:
- Herniated or slipped disc pressing on nerve root
- Bone spurs on vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis — narrowing of spinal canal
- Piriformis syndrome — piriformis muscle irritating sciatic nerve
- Spondylolisthesis — vertebra slips forward over another
- Pregnancy — pressure from growing uterus
- Tumour (rare)
- Diabetes — nerve damage
- Prolonged sitting or heavy lifting
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Sciatica include:
- Pain radiating from lower spine through buttock and down one leg
- Pain that may feel like a jolt or electric shock
- Worsening pain when coughing, sneezing, or sitting
- Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in affected leg
- Pain usually affects only one side
- Constant pain on one side of the buttock
- Difficulty standing or walking
- In severe cases: loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)
Diagnosis
Sciatica is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Sciatica may include:
- Staying active — walking, gentle stretching
- Over-the-counter analgesics: paracetamol, ibuprofen
- Physiotherapy and targeted exercise
- Hot and cold packs
- Stronger medications: muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications (amitriptyline, gabapentin)
- Epidural steroid injections for short-term relief
- Surgery (discectomy, laminectomy) for severe cases not improving
Prevention
Regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, good posture, proper lifting technique, and avoiding prolonged sitting.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Sciatica can lead to complications including:
Chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, and in rare cases cauda equina syndrome causing permanent paralysis.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: M54.4. Last reviewed June 2026.