What is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sciatica is a term used for nerve pain that starts in the low back and hip and radiates down the leg. Sciatica usually develops as a result of compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lumbar spine, and with the correct diagnosis, it can be controlled in most patients.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition of pain, numbness, and sometimes weakness that can extend from the hip down to the knee and ankle, resulting from the compression and/or inflammation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots in the low back–hip region that form it.

Symptoms and Early Warnings

Recognizing symptoms and early warnings quickly is critical for preventing permanent nerve damage and increasing treatment success.

• Unilateral pain radiating along the hip–back of the thigh–calf line in the leg
• Aching/burning that increases when sitting, bending forward, or coughing
• Numbness, tingling, or a pulling sensation in the foot or toes
• Tendency to fall, difficulty going up and down stairs
• Reduced muscle strength in severe cases

Risk Factors

Knowing the risk factors strengthens your prevention plan and helps reduce recurrence.

• Heavy lifting, repetitive bending–twisting movements
• Prolonged sitting, inadequate ergonomics
• Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, facet joint problems
• Obesity, low physical fitness, smoking
• Weight gain and posture changes during pregnancy
• Diabetes and conditions that increase peripheral nerve sensitivity

Common Causes

Identifying common causes helps determine the goal of treatment.

• Lumbar disc herniation (slipped disc)
• Spinal canal stenosis (lumbar stenosis)
• Foraminal narrowing, facet joint hypertrophy
• Piriformis syndrome and muscle imbalances around the hip
• Trauma, spinal slippage (spondylolisthesis), rarely tumor/infection

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnostic methods confirm the source of the pain, allowing the selection of the most appropriate treatment approach.

• Detailed history and physical examination (straight leg raise, neurological exam)
• Lumbar MRI, CT, or X-ray in necessary cases
• Evaluation of nerve conduction with Electromyography (EMG)
• Emergency evaluation for red flag symptoms (loss of bladder/bowel control, progressive weakness, fever)

Treatment Options

Treatment options are planned progressively based on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.

• Medication treatments: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, neuropathic pain modulators
• Targeted physical therapy: Stretching, strengthening, nerve gliding exercises
• Lifestyle and ergonomics adjustments
• Interventional methods: Epidural or facet injections (in selected cases)
• Surgery: Decompression in cases of persistent pain, significant nerve compression, and neurological loss

Home Pain Management

Home pain management provides short-term relief and complements professional treatment.

• Short-term rest and heat–cold applications (10–15 minutes per session)
• Regular use of NSAIDs or medication recommended by your doctor
• Short walks and gentle stretching that do not increase pain

Ergonomics and Lifestyle Recommendations

Ergonomics and lifestyle adjustments reduce mechanical stress on the sciatic nerve and lower the risk of recurrence.

• Neutral spine position, adjustable chair, and lumbar support when working at a computer
• Screen at eye level, keyboard–mouse at elbow level
• Short movement breaks every 30 minutes
• Correct lifting technique: Position close to the load, bend the knees, do not bend the waist
• Weight control, regular walking–swimming–core strengthening
• Quitting smoking and a quality sleep routine

Which exercises are helpful?

Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the low back and hip and increase nerve mobility, without provoking pain, are recommended.

• Piriformis and hamstring stretches
• Hip abductor and core strengthening (bridge, side plank variations)
• Nerve gliding (sciatic nerve glides) movements
• The program should be individually tailored under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek urgent medical attention if there is an impairment in bladder/bowel control, rapidly progressing leg weakness, back pain accompanied by fever, or severe pain that does not subside even at rest. If typical pain does not improve within 1–2 weeks, plan for an evaluation.