Understanding Sciatica
What patients commonly notice
Pain, tingling or numbness travelling along the sciatic nerve is commonly linked to irritation in the lower spine. The exact pattern and severity can vary, so a clinical assessment is important before deciding on treatment.
Common symptoms
- Pain from the buttock down the back or side of the leg
- Burning, tingling or numbness
- Possible weakness in the foot or leg
Causes and risk factors
There may be more than one contributing factor. Common possibilities include:
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis
- Less commonly, non-spinal irritation along the nerve pathway
How is sciatica assessed?
Assessment combines the symptom pattern with a neurological and musculoskeletal examination. Existing scans are reviewed and further X-rays, MRI or other tests are requested only where they are likely to change the treatment plan.
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis, symptom severity, general health and the activities you need to return to. Options may include:
- Guided activity, medication and physiotherapy
- Targeted nerve-root injection for selected persistent symptoms
- Surgery for significant compression, progressive weakness or refractory pain
Surgery is not automatically the first step. When it is considered, the likely benefit, alternatives and recovery requirements should be discussed clearly.
Common questions
How long does sciatica usually take to improve?
Many episodes improve over several weeks, but recovery varies with the cause and severity of nerve irritation. Persistent pain, numbness or weakness should be reassessed.
Should I rest or keep moving with sciatica?
Short periods of rest may be needed during severe pain, but prolonged bed rest is generally discouraged. Gentle, tolerable activity is usually preferable unless a clinician has advised restrictions.
When is sciatica an emergency?
New bladder or bowel difficulty, numbness around the saddle region, rapidly worsening leg weakness or severe symptoms affecting both legs require urgent assessment.
This page provides general patient information and does not replace a consultation or personalised medical advice.