Sciatica involves the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. It extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Some individuals experience occasional mild discomfort. Others face persistent, severe pain that affects their ability to work, sleep, or perform routine tasks. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sciatica, along with understanding appropriate treatment approaches, empowers you to take proactive steps toward relief and proper treatment.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. It branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The condition typically affects only one side of your body, though bilateral sciatica can occur in rare cases. The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots that exit the spinal cord in the lower back and join together to create this major nerve pathway.
Pain associated with sciatica can manifest in various ways. Some people experience a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. Others describe a burning sensation or electric shock-like pain. The discomfort may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. These symptoms may range from infrequent and mildly irritating to constant and incapacitating.
Sciatica can affect people of all ages, though it most commonly occurs in individuals between 30 and 50 years old. The condition may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly following a specific movement or injury. The intensity of symptoms can fluctuate, with some people experiencing periods of relief followed by flares of increased pain.
What Causes It?
Several underlying conditions may lead to sciatica by putting pressure on or irritating the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a herniated or slipped disc in the lower spine. When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, it can compress nearby nerve roots that form part of the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, represents another frequent cause of sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another, can also cause sciatica by narrowing the space where nerves exit the spine. This condition may result from degenerative changes or congenital factors. Other potential causes include tumors, infections, or injuries that affect the spine or surrounding tissues.
When Should You Seek Care?
Most cases of sciatica resolve on their own within a few weeks with conservative treatment approaches. Rest, gentle movement, and over-the-counter pain medications can provide adequate relief for mild to moderate symptoms. Applying heat or cold therapy to the affected area may also help reduce pain and inflammation.
You should seek medical attention if your pain is severe and doesn’t improve after a few days of home care. Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot also warrants medical assessment. Immediate medical care is required if you experience loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive weakness in the leg, or severe pain following a violent injury such as a car accident.
Speak With a Spine Expert
Sciatica may significantly impact your quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. A spine specialist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your sciatica and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider represents the first step toward finding relief through effective treatment.
