Spine · Patient Guide
Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the hip and down the leg — usually caused by a slip disc or bone pressing on a nerve root. Most cases improve with medication, physiotherapy and time; surgery is only needed if pain is severe or weakness develops.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom. It describes pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower spine into each leg. It usually affects one side.
Symptoms
- Shooting or burning pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Pain often worse when sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Tingling or 'pins and needles' in the leg or foot
- Numbness or weakness in the affected leg
Common causes
- Slip disc (herniated disc) pressing on a nerve root — the most common cause
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Bone spurs or degenerative changes
- Rarely, a tumour or infection
Treatment
Non-surgical
Most people recover with anti-inflammatory medication, targeted physiotherapy, activity modification and, in some cases, a nerve-root (epidural) injection.
Surgical
If pain is severe and persistent, or if there is progressive weakness, endoscopic or minimally invasive decompression can relieve the pinched nerve.
When to seek urgent care: Get urgent medical help if you have sudden severe leg weakness, or numbness around the buttocks with loss of bladder or bowel control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sciatica last?
Many episodes settle within a few weeks with conservative treatment. Some cases take longer, and persistent or severe sciatica should be evaluated by a spine specialist.
Can sciatica be cured without surgery?
Yes — the majority of sciatica improves without surgery. Surgery is considered only when pain does not respond or when there is nerve weakness.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Gentle movement and short walks are usually helpful, but activity should be guided by your doctor during severe pain. Prolonged bed rest is not recommended.
What is the fastest way to relieve sciatica?
There is no single instant cure. A combination of medication, correct posture, physiotherapy and, where appropriate, injections gives the best and safest relief.
Consult Dr. Ashish Kumar Dwivedi
Expert brain & spine care at Bombay Hospital, Indore.
💬 WhatsApp☎ Call +91 79991 39947
Dr. Ashish Kumar Dwivedi
Gold Medalist MCh Neurosurgeon · Bombay Hospital, Indore
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor for guidance specific to your condition.