Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve — typically from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and is most often caused by irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower spine.
What causes sciatica?
The commonest cause is a herniated (slipped) disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve root. Other causes include narrowing of the spinal canal (lumbar stenosis), slippage of one vertebra over another (spondylolisthesis) and, less commonly, spinal tumours or infections. The underlying cause guides treatment.
Symptoms to watch for
Typical sciatica causes sharp or burning pain radiating below the knee, often worse with sitting, coughing or straining. Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot can occur. Progressive weakness, foot drop or bladder/bowel changes are warning signs that need urgent medical attention.
Non-surgical treatment
Most episodes of sciatica settle with a structured plan of activity modification, physiotherapy, posture and ergonomic guidance, and appropriate pain relief. Nerve-root injections are sometimes used to break a difficult pain cycle in selected patients.
When surgery helps
Minimally invasive surgery — such as endoscopic discectomy or targeted decompression — is considered when symptoms persist despite reasonable non-surgical care, or when there are clear neurological signs. In appropriately selected patients, outcomes for leg pain relief are generally very good.