Quick answer
What could sciatica mean?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, often with tingling or numbness. It is usually caused by a bulging disc in the spine pressing on a nerve. Most cases improve within 4 to 6 weeks with pain relief, gentle movement and physiotherapy.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is the name for pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower spine, through the buttock, and down the back of the leg to the foot. Sciatica is a symptom, not a disease itself; it usually means something is irritating or compressing the nerve where it leaves the spine.
It typically affects one leg rather than both.
What it feels like
Sciatica pain varies but commonly includes:
- sharp, shooting or burning pain from the lower back or buttock down the leg
- tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the leg or foot
- muscle weakness in the affected leg (less common)
- pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing or sitting for long periods
The pain can be severe, but most cases improve with time and conservative treatment.
What causes it?
Slipped (herniated) disc — the most common cause. The soft inner part of a spinal disc bulges and presses on a nerve root.
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal, more common over 60.
Spondylolisthesis — one vertebra slipping forward on another.
Piriformis syndrome — the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the nerve (less common and debated).
Less often — injury, infection, or a growth pressing on the nerve.
Managing sciatica at home
Most sciatica resolves without surgery:
- Stay gently active — walking and normal movement as tolerated. Avoid prolonged bed rest.
- Pain relief — paracetamol and ibuprofen; a GP may suggest stronger painkillers short-term if needed.
- Heat or cold — on the lower back for comfort.
- Positioning — some people find relief lying on their side with a pillow between knees.
- Physiotherapy — exercises to improve mobility and reduce nerve irritation; a GP can refer you.
Return to work gradually if sciatica affects your job — occupational health may help.
When sciatica is an emergency
Cauda equina syndrome is rare but serious — compression of the nerves at the base of the spine. Seek emergency help for:
- loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine
- numbness in the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs (“saddle numbness”)
- severe or progressive weakness in both legs
These symptoms need immediate hospital assessment and possible surgery.
When to see a GP
See a GP if:
- pain is not improving after six weeks
- pain is severe and not controlled by pharmacy painkillers
- you have progressive leg weakness
- sciatica followed significant trauma
- you have fever with back pain (possible infection)
A GP can examine you, check nerve function, and arrange MRI scanning or specialist referral if needed.
Sciatica vs general back pain
Back pain is localised to the back. Sciatica radiates into the leg below the knee with nerve-type symptoms — tingling, shooting pain, or numbness. Many people have both.
Recovery and prevention
Most people recover fully within weeks to months. Keeping core and back muscles strong through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and good posture when lifting reduce the risk of recurrence.
Common questions
- What does sciatica pain feel like?
- Sharp, shooting or burning pain from the lower back or buttock down one leg — sometimes to the foot. Tingling, numbness, or pins and needles are common. Coughing or sneezing may briefly worsen the pain.
- What causes sciatica?
- Most often a bulging or herniated disc in the lower spine pressing on the sciatic nerve root. Less commonly, spinal stenosis (narrowing), spondylolisthesis, or piriformis muscle spasm in the buttock.
- How long does sciatica last?
- Many people improve significantly within four to six weeks. Some have symptoms for longer. Persistent or worsening pain after six weeks warrants GP assessment and may benefit from physiotherapy or further investigation.
- Should I rest in bed with sciatica?
- Short rest during severe pain is fine, but prolonged bed rest slows recovery. Gentle walking and normal daily activity as tolerated help most people recover faster than staying still.
- Does sciatica need surgery?
- Most cases do not. Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe and persistent despite physiotherapy, or if there is significant nerve compression causing progressive weakness — a specialist decides this.