If you've ever experienced pain that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg, you may have wondered if it's sciatica.

Sciatica isn't a condition itself—it's a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The discomfort can range from a mild ache to intense pain that makes walking, sitting, or sleeping difficult.

The good news is that many cases of sciatica improve with the right treatment. Understanding what sciatica feels like and what causes it can help you know when it's time to seek professional care.

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine and travels through the buttocks, down the back of each leg, and into the feet.

When one of the nerves that forms the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, pain follows the path of that nerve.

Unlike muscle soreness, sciatica usually affects one side of the body and follows a distinct pattern from the lower back into the leg.

What Does Sciatica Feel Like?

People describe sciatica in different ways, but common sensations include:

• Sharp, shooting pain
• Burning pain
• Electric shock-like sensations
• Tingling ("pins and needles")
• Numbness
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Some patients say the pain is constant, while others experience flare-ups after sitting, driving, coughing, or bending forward.

Pain often starts in the buttock before traveling down the back of the thigh and sometimes into the calf or foot.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms vary depending on which nerve root is affected.

Common signs include:

• Pain in one leg
• Lower back pain
• Pain that worsens while sitting
• Tingling in the leg or foot
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing for long periods
• Pain that increases when coughing or sneezing

Many patients notice that walking provides temporary relief, while prolonged sitting makes symptoms worse.

What Causes Sciatica?

Several spinal conditions can place pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Herniated Disc

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated lumbar disc. The disc presses on a nearby nerve root, creating pain that travels into the leg.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves, particularly in older adults.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As spinal discs wear down with age, changes in the spine can irritate nearby nerves.

Bone Spurs

Arthritic changes can produce bone spurs that narrow the spaces where nerves exit the spine.

Piriformis Syndrome

Although less common, the piriformis muscle in the buttock can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms similar to sciatica.

How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?

A spine specialist begins with a physical examination and a review of your symptoms.

Depending on your condition, your provider may recommend:

• X-rays
• MRI
• CT scan
• Neurological examination
• Strength and reflex testing

Imaging is usually recommended when symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with weakness.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Many patients improve with conservative care, including:

Physical Therapy

Exercises help improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles, and reduce pressure on irritated nerves.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxers may help reduce pain during flare-ups.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Image-guided injections can reduce inflammation around compressed nerves and provide meaningful pain relief.

Activity Modification

While prolonged bed rest is no longer recommended, temporarily avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can support recovery.

Surgery

If symptoms persist despite conservative care or significant weakness develops, surgery may be considered to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Can Sciatica Go Away on Its Own?

Yes.

Many episodes improve within several weeks, especially with activity modification and guided exercises.

However, persistent pain, worsening weakness, or recurring episodes should be evaluated by a spine specialist to identify the underlying cause.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Schedule an evaluation if:

• Pain lasts longer than several weeks
• Pain radiates below the knee
• You experience numbness or weakness
• Walking becomes difficult
• Pain keeps returning
• Home treatment isn't helping

Prompt evaluation may prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and help identify treatment options before surgery is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sciatica always start in the back?

No. Some people primarily feel pain in the buttock or leg with very little back pain.

Does sciatica affect both legs?

Most cases affect only one leg. Pain in both legs may indicate a different condition and should be evaluated.

Is walking good for sciatica?

For many people, gentle walking can help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Your provider can recommend the best activity level for your condition.

How long does sciatica usually last?

Many cases improve within four to six weeks, but symptoms may last longer depending on the underlying cause.

Can sitting make sciatica worse?

Yes. Sitting for long periods often increases pressure on irritated nerves and may worsen symptoms.

Is sciatica permanent?

Most people recover without permanent nerve damage, especially when treated early.

Can physical therapy help sciatica?

Yes. Physical therapy is often one of the first treatments recommended because it improves strength, flexibility, and posture.

When is surgery necessary for sciatica?

Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment fails, pain is severe, or significant muscle weakness develops.