What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock and down the leg. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis in itself, most often caused by a herniated (slipped) disc or narrowing of the spinal canal pressing on a nerve root.
Symptoms
- Sharp, burning or shooting pain from the lower back into one leg
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Usually affects one side
Causes
- Herniated or bulging lumbar disc (most common)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative changes with age
- Less commonly, other causes your specialist will assess
Treatment
Most cases improve with non-surgical care: activity modification, physiotherapy, pain management and, in some cases, targeted injections. Surgery is generally reserved for severe or persistent symptoms, progressive weakness, or when conservative treatment has not helped. A spine specialist will tailor treatment to the underlying cause.
When to see a specialist — and red flags
See a doctor if leg pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by weakness. Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness or numbness around the groin — these are emergencies.
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →Frequently Asked Questions
Most people improve without surgery. Surgery is considered for severe, persistent symptoms, significant weakness, or when conservative care has failed.
Many episodes settle over several weeks with appropriate care, though timelines vary depending on the cause.
Prolonged sitting, heavy lifting and certain movements can aggravate it. A specialist or physiotherapist can guide safe activity.