The NHS says sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. Its symptoms usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg. The NHS says the most common cause is a slipped disc, and that sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but can last longer.
Overview
The AAOS says sciatica is a very broad term describing nerve pain, not a specific diagnosis. It says the pain occurs when a nerve root in the lower (lumbar) spine is compressed, and that the diagnosis is actually the cause of that compression, such as a herniated (slipped) disk or spinal stenosis.
The NHS says the symptoms usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg, often including your foot and toes. It says you may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your leg, and that you probably do not have sciatica if you only have back pain.
The AAOS says you are most likely to get sciatica between the ages of 30 and 75. It says the cause in people under 40 is typically a herniated disk, and that older adults typically get sciatica due to bone spurs and arthritis.
The AAOS says approximately 80 to 90% of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery, typically within several weeks if the cause is a herniated disk. It says that when the cause is bone spurs and spinal stenosis, nonsurgical treatment is less successful, but there is still a good chance of improvement. The NHS says that if you've had sciatica, there's a chance it could happen again.
Common symptoms
- A sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg (NHS)
- Pain like a bad leg cramp, sharp ("knife-like") or electrical, which can last for weeks before it goes away (AAOS)
- Tingling, like pins and needles (NHS)
- Numbness or weakness (NHS; AAOS)
- Pain that may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing (NHS; AAOS)
- Symptoms that come on suddenly, or start slowly (NHS)
Common causes
- A slipped disc, when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out: the NHS says this is the most common cause
- Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the part of your spine where nerves pass through (NHS)
- Spondylolisthesis: when one of the bones in your spine slips out of position (NHS)
- A back injury (NHS)
- Bone spurs and arthritis: the AAOS says these are the typical cause in older adults
Warning signs
Each item says what the NHS advises. It says the emergency signs could be symptoms of a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible, and not to drive yourself to A&E: ask someone to drive you, or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
- Sciatica on both sides, or weakness or numbness in both legs that's severe or getting worse: the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999
- Numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom (anus): the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999
- Finding it hard to start peeing, being unable to pee, or not being able to control when you pee, when this is not normal for you: the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999
- Not noticing when you need to poo, or not being able to control when you poo, when this is not normal for you: the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999
- Sciatica pain that has not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks, is getting worse, or is stopping you doing your normal activities: the NHS says to see a GP (a primary care doctor)
UK terms on this page
Some of this advice comes from the NHS, the UK's National Health Service, so it names UK services.
- GP: a general practitioner. GP at hand, an NHS GP practice, describes an NHS GP as a medical doctor who works in primary care and is usually the first point of contact for medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis.
- A&E: accident and emergency. The NHS says it is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies, and is also known as the emergency department.
- 999: the UK emergency number. In the US, MedlinePlus says to call 911 or the local emergency number.
In the US, MedlinePlus lists these options for an unexpected illness or injury: a nurse advice line from your health insurance plan or employer, your health care provider, an urgent care clinic, or going to an emergency department right away. It says that if a person could die or be permanently disabled, it is an emergency, and to call 911 or the local emergency number if you cannot wait.
Sources: GP at hand, What is an NHS GP? Understanding their role and importance in Healthcare; NHS, When to use NHS 111 online or call 111 (last reviewed 2022); NHS, When to go to A&E (last reviewed 2023); MedlinePlus, When to use the emergency room - adult
Treatment and self-care
Staying active
The NHS says to carry on with your normal activities as much as possible and to start gentle exercise as soon as you can. It says not to sit or lie down for long periods: even if moving hurts, it's not harmful and can help you get better faster. The AAOS says not to remain in bed, as too much rest may cause other parts of the body to feel discomfort, and to be as active as possible.
Exercise and physiotherapy
The NHS lists exercises and stretches, painkillers and physiotherapy among the main treatments for sciatica. The AAOS says to start stretching exercises as soon as possible, and that your doctor may want you to take short walks and may prescribe physical therapy.
Painkillers, heat and cold
The AAOS says nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen, or muscle relaxants may offer relief, and that you may find it soothing to put gentle heat or cold on your painful muscles. The NHS suggests heat packs and asking a pharmacist about painkillers. It says paracetamol (acetaminophen) is unlikely to help, and it's not clear how much NSAIDs such as ibuprofen help with sciatica.
If treatment does not help
The NHS says that if your pain is severe and treatments have not helped, you may be referred to a hospital specialist for options such as a painkilling injection or surgery. The AAOS says you might need surgery if you still have disabling leg pain after 3 or more months of nonsurgical treatment.
Watch
3 Most Common Cures for Sciatica
Bob & Brad
Embedded for general education.
Frequently asked
- Does sciatica go away on its own?
- The AAOS says the condition usually heals itself, given sufficient time and rest, and that approximately 80 to 90% of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery. The NHS says it usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but can last longer, and that it can come back.
- When is sciatica an emergency?
- The NHS says to go to A&E or call 999 if you have sciatica on both sides; weakness or numbness in both legs that's severe or getting worse; numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom (anus); or if you find it hard to start peeing, cannot pee, do not notice when you need to poo, or cannot control when you pee or poo, and this is not normal for you. It says these could be symptoms of a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
- What causes sciatica?
- The NHS says sciatica happens when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. It names a slipped disc as the most common cause, along with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and a back injury. The AAOS says the cause in people under 40 is typically a herniated disk, and that older adults typically get sciatica due to bone spurs and arthritis.
- Which specialist treats sciatica?
- The NHS lists physiotherapy among the main treatments, and says that if your pain is severe and treatments have not helped, you may be referred to a hospital specialist. The AAOS says your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. You can find physical therapists near you in the SpinalCare directory.
Sources
This page organises information from the cited sources for general education and is not medical advice. A qualified clinician can advise on your own care. Last updated October 21, 2026.