Sciatica is nerve pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg. It happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed — most often by a slipped (herniated) disc. Most cases ease within a few weeks to a few months without surgery.
Overview
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The term describes pain, tingling or weakness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine through the buttock and down the back of each leg (NHS; AAOS OrthoInfo).
It usually affects one side. The underlying cause is something pressing on or irritating a nerve root in the lower spine — commonly a herniated disc in people under 40, and bone spurs or arthritis in older adults (AAOS OrthoInfo).
The outlook is generally good. The AAOS notes that roughly 80–90% of people with sciatica get better over time without surgery, and the NHS says it usually improves within a few weeks to a few months, though it can come back.
Common symptoms
- A sharp, burning or “electric” pain down the back of one leg
- Pins and needles (tingling) in the leg, foot or toes
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that can get worse when sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Usually felt on one side, from the lower back into the buttock and leg
Common causes
- A slipped (herniated) disc pressing on a nerve root — the most common cause
- Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the space around the spinal nerves
- Spondylolisthesis — a vertebra slipping out of line
- Bone spurs and arthritis, which are more common causes in older adults
- A back injury
When to seek urgent medical care
Some symptoms can signal a medical emergency. Authoritative sources advise seeking urgent care — in the US, call 911 or go to the emergency room — if you have:
- Numbness or weakness in both legs that is severe or getting worse
- Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or back passage (the “saddle” area)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control — trouble peeing, or losing control
- Sciatica on both sides at once
What usually helps
Staying gently active
The NHS advises keeping up gentle normal activity rather than resting in bed, which can make sciatica worse.
Exercise and physiotherapy
Guided stretching and strengthening — often with a physical therapist — is a common part of recovery.
Pain relief, heat and cold
The AAOS lists over-the-counter pain relievers and heat or cold packs among the usual nonsurgical measures.
When conservative care isn’t enough
The AAOS notes surgery may be considered if disabling leg pain continues after about 3 or more months of nonsurgical treatment.
Watch: a physical therapist explains
3 Most Common Cures for Sciatica
Bob & Brad · Physical therapists Bob Schrupp, PT and Brad Heineck, PT
A plain-English walkthrough from two licensed physical therapists. We embed it for general education — it isn’t a substitute for a personal assessment.
Frequently asked
- Does sciatica go away on its own?
- Often, yes. The AAOS notes that about 80–90% of people with sciatica improve without surgery, and the NHS says it usually eases within a few weeks to a few months — though it can come back.
- When is sciatica an emergency?
- Seek urgent care (in the US, call 911 or go to the emergency room) if you have numbness in the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. The NHS lists these as emergency warning signs.
- What causes sciatica?
- Most often a slipped (herniated) disc pressing on a nerve root. Spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, arthritis and back injury are other causes (NHS; AAOS OrthoInfo).
- Which specialist treats sciatica?
- Chiropractors and physical therapists commonly provide the conservative care used for sciatica; a physician or spine surgeon may be involved if symptoms are severe or persistent. You can find chiropractors and physical therapists near you in the SpinalCare directory.
Sources
This page organises information from the cited sources for general education. It is not medical advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own care. Editorially reviewed July 1, 2026.