Sciatica describes pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It affects around 40% of people at some point and is usually caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the lower spine. Most cases resolve within 4–6 weeks with appropriate management, and a range of therapies can significantly speed recovery.
See therapies that may helpSciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis in itself — it describes the pattern of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. The most common cause is a herniated (slipped) disc in the lumbar spine pressing on a nerve root. Other causes include spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome (where the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve), and, less commonly, tumour or infection.
True sciatica involves radiating leg pain (radiculopathy) rather than simply lower back pain with referred pain into the buttock or thigh. The distinction matters because true sciatica involving nerve compression may require different management and, in a small number of cases, medical intervention.
Typical symptoms of sciatica include:
Seek urgent medical attention if sciatica is accompanied by bladder or bowel dysfunction, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or severe progressive weakness in both legs — these may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
Most cases of sciatica resolve naturally within 4–12 weeks. The following therapies can help speed recovery and manage symptoms:
Staying as active as possible within pain limits is important — bed rest worsens outcomes. Anti-inflammatory medication (where medically appropriate) can help manage acute symptoms.
For mild to moderate sciatica, a physiotherapist is usually the most appropriate first port of call. Your GP can also advise on pain management and, if needed, refer for imaging or specialist assessment. If symptoms have not improved after 4–6 weeks of conservative management, or are severe, medical review is warranted.
Surgery (microdiscectomy) is considered for a small proportion of people with persistent sciatica due to disc herniation who have not responded to conservative treatment after 6–12 weeks.
Showing 1 therapy linked to Sciatica.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractor |
moderate
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Appropriate in some cases; ensure assessment and referral if worsening. |
Most cases of sciatica (around 90%) resolve within 4–12 weeks with appropriate conservative management. A minority become persistent. Early active management — staying mobile, physiotherapy, avoiding prolonged bed rest — significantly improves recovery time.
There is no single fastest fix, but a combination of staying active within pain limits, anti-inflammatory medication (if medically appropriate), heat or cold application, and targeted physiotherapy exercises typically provides the most effective relief. Prolonged sitting and bed rest worsen sciatica.
No — while disc herniation is the most common cause, sciatica can also result from spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, or — rarely — tumour or infection. A physiotherapist or GP can assess the likely cause and direct appropriate treatment.
Yes — many cases of sciatica resolve spontaneously. However, appropriate physiotherapy and activity significantly speed recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. If sciatica is severe, persistent beyond 6 weeks, or involves neurological symptoms such as weakness or significant numbness, professional assessment is recommended.
Surgery (typically microdiscectomy) is considered for a small minority of cases where sciatica has not resolved after 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment, where there is progressive neurological deficit, or where quality of life is severely impacted. The majority of people with sciatica do not need surgery.