In short
Sciatica describes nerve pain radiating from the lower back down one leg, and most cases ease within weeks without surgery.
Emergency if: Sciatica in both legs, weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse, numbness around the genitals or anus, new difficulty starting to pee or controlling pee or poo, or back pain after a serious accident: go to an emergency department now. Do not drive yourself.
On this page
01
What Sciatica Actually Is
Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own but a description of pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hip and down one leg. It happens when a nerve root along this pathway gets pressed or irritated, most often near where it exits the spine.
The pain can feel sharp, burning, or like an electric shock, and it usually affects only one side of the body. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot often comes with it, and symptoms tend to worsen with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sudden movement.
02
Why It Happens
A bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve root is the most common cause, especially in the lower back. Age-related narrowing of the spinal canal, sometimes called spinal stenosis, or bone spurs pressing on nearby nerves can produce a very similar pattern of pain.
Less often, muscle spasm or an awkward posture held for a long time can irritate the nerve without any structural damage. Risk tends to rise with age, extra body weight, jobs involving heavy lifting or long sitting, and conditions like diabetes that can affect nerve health more broadly.
03
What Usually Helps
Most episodes of sciatica improve on their own within a few weeks. Staying moderately active, rather than resting in bed, tends to support recovery better for most people, alongside gentle stretching and over-the-counter pain relief used as directed on the label.
If pain persists beyond several weeks, keeps worsening, or comes with noticeable leg weakness, a clinician may suggest physical therapy, imaging to look for a cause, or other options suited to what is found. Talking through symptoms with a doctor helps match the approach to the actual problem.
04
When to Seek Emergency Care
In rare cases, severe pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine can affect the nerves that control the bladder and bowel. Go to an emergency department now if you have sciatica in both legs, weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse, numbness around or under the genitals or around the anus, difficulty starting to pee or not being able to control your bladder or bowels when this is not normal for you. Do not drive yourself.
Back pain that started after a serious accident, such as a road accident, also needs an emergency department now. Back pain with a fever or feeling hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell, or severe pain that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly, needs a doctor the same day. Unexplained weight loss with back pain is a reason to see a doctor soon.
When to act
Emergency — act now
Sciatica in both legs, weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse, numbness around the genitals or anus, new difficulty starting to pee or controlling pee or poo, or back pain after a serious accident: go to an emergency department now. Do not drive yourself.
Same-day — call promptly
Back or leg pain with a fever or feeling hot, shivery or generally unwell, or severe pain that started suddenly or is getting worse quickly: see a doctor today.
Routine — see a doctor
Pain that has not improved after a few weeks, is stopping your normal activities, is worse at night, or comes with weight loss you cannot explain: book an appointment.
Sources
- Sciaticamedlineplus.gov
- Sciatica — NHSnhs.uk
- Back pain — NHSnhs.uk
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