What is Sciatica?

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause is a herniated lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root. Spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, compression by the piriformis muscle and, more rarely, trauma, infection or tumour can also cause sciatic pain. Heavy lifting, prolonged sitting and an inactive lifestyle increase the risk.

Symptoms

• Pain travelling from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes to the foot
• Burning, electric shock sensations, numbness and tingling in the leg
• Pain worsening with coughing, sneezing and prolonged sitting
• Sometimes weakness lifting the ankle or big toe

Frequently Asked Questions

When is sciatica an emergency?

Most sciatic pain eases within weeks with medication, short-term activity adjustment, physiotherapy and exercise. Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle and genital area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness require urgent assessment. Injections or surgery are considered for pain lasting months.