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Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This happens "upstream" from the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be serious, those cases that are caused by a herniated disk can clear up with treatment in a few weeks to months. People who have severe sciatica and serious leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might need surgery.
The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain. Sometimes it feels like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting a long time. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
Mild sciatica usually goes away over time. Call your primary care professional if self-care measures don't ease symptoms. Also call if pain lasts longer than a week, is severe or gets worse. Get immediate medical care for:
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The disks that lie between the vertebrae in the spine consist of a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by a tougher exterior (annulus). A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus. Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.
Sciatica occurs when the nerve roots to the sciatic nerve become pinched. The cause is usually a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone, sometimes called bone spurs, on the spinal bones. More rarely, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve.
The telltale sign of sciatica is pain that starts in your lower back and shoots down one leg, sometimes all the way into your foot. What causes sciatica differs from person to person, but it can happen with an injury or just with the wear and tear of aging. Certain conditions can make it worse. There are treatments for sciatica pain.
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of your butt and thigh and down through your leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes. The pain may worsen when you cough or sneeze.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and disabling. But not everyone has unbearable sciatica pain. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating but has the potential to get worse.
Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on other parts of the body, may cause sciatic nerve pain or sciatica-like symptoms that come and go with your period.
Sciatica is common, but it often resolves on its own in a few weeks. Tell your doctor if your symptoms last longer than that or if you have severe pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. You may need medical treatment to help find and fix the problem or to prevent further health problems.
Sciatica is a term that describes symptoms of pain, numbness, and/or weakness that radiate along the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the buttocks and leg. The medical term for sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy.
It is important to note that any type of lower back pain or radiating leg pain is not sciatica. Sciatica is specific to pain that originates from the sciatic nerve.1Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from:
Common medical conditions that may cause sciatica include1Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: :
The sciatic nerve starts as a collection of nerve fibers in the lower spine. These nerve fibers, or roots, exit the spinal canal through a number of openings in the bones at each level of the lower spine called foramina.
The sciatic nerve travels through an opening in the pelvis called the greater sciatic foramen, and typically runs below the piriformis muscle. This is why piriformis muscle problems or spasm can lead to sciatica symptoms.
Rarely, the sciatic nerve may split into 2 nerves near the sciatic foramen, which merge again into a single nerve.3Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2018 Dec 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from:
Sciatica is found to be common in certain types of occupation where physically strenuous positions are used, such as machine operators or truck drivers. Specifically, people who often bend their spine forward or sideways or raise their arms frequently above the shoulder level may be at risk of sciatica.1Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: ,5Stafford MA, Peng P, Hill DA. Sciatica: a review of history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and the role of epidural steroid injection in management. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2007;99(4):461-473. doi:10.1093/bja/aem238.
The vast majority of people who experience sciatica typically get better within 4 to 6 weeks with nonsurgical sciatica treatments.1Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: If severe neurological deficits are present, recovery may take longer. An estimated 33% of people, however, may have persistent symptoms up to 1 year.6Fernandez M, Ferreira ML, Refshauge KM, et al. Surgery or physical activity in the management of sciatica: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Spine Journal. 2015;25(11):3495-3512. doi:10.1007/s00586-015-4148-y.
It is advised to seek medical attention immediately if such symptoms develop. Sciatica that occurs after an accident or trauma, or if it develops in tandem with other symptoms like fever or loss of appetite, is also cause for prompt medical evaluation.
This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions.
Dr. Gregory Minnis is a physical therapist with an interest in orthopedic manual therapy. His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehab, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.
Zawn is a writer who covers medical, legal, and social justice topics. Her work has been published in dozens of publications and websites. She lives with her husband, daughter, six tortoises, a dog, and 500 orchids. In her spare time, she runs a local maternal health nonprofit.
Adam Felman is an Editor for Medical News Today and Greatist. Outside of work, he is a hearing impaired musician, producer, and rapper who gigs globally. Adam also owns every Nic Cage movie and has a one-eyed hedgehog called Philip K. Prick.
Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee.
Disks are made of cartilage, which is a strong and resilient material. The cartilage acts as a cushion between each vertebra and allows the spine to be flexible. A herniated disk occurs when a disk is pushed out of place. It can put pressure on one or several of the spinal nerves that form the sciatic nerve.
A physical therapist can help a person learn and perform exercises that are safe and beneficial for sciatica. They may encourage the individual to walk around when possible, while avoiding movements such as twisting and bending.
Surgical options for sciatica include lumbar laminectomy and discectomy. Lumbar laminectomy is the partial or complete removal of the lamina (part of the vertebrae) from the lumbar spine in order to relieve compression on the spinal nerves. Discectomy is the partial or entire removal of a herniated disk.
Sciatica may go away on its own. Various remedies can help encourage recovery, including hot and cold therapy and using supportive pillows while sleeping. Pain relief medication can also help manage pain.
Sciatica pain and other symptoms may worsen if someone bends, twists, or coughs. Staying in bed may also contribute to discomfort, so people should incorporate gentle stretches into their daily routine.
The straight leg test for sciatica involves the individual lying down while the medical professional raises their leg by flexing the hip. If the individual experiences pain along the lower limb while their knee is in extension, this can indicate sciatica.
Sciatica refers to pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. It most commonly happens as a result of a herniated or bulging disk. Other causes include spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and a back injury.
Sciatica is characterized by excruciating pain and paresthesias in the sciatic nerve distribution or associated lumbosacral nerve root and can severely impact the quality of life of those affected. This course delves into the specifics of sciatica, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing this condition from other low back or radicular leg pain.
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