Sciatica - What is it and, how can I manage it?

August 5, 2025

Blog Updated 5th August 2025 (originally published 7th November 2023)

Lower Back Pain is extremely common, and most of us (around 80%) will suffer from it at some point in our life. Many people with lower back pain also experience pain travelling into the buttock or leg. This can sometimes cause pins and needles or numbness and is often referred to as sciatica. Most back and/or leg pain does not have a serious cause and can come on for no reason and whilst it can be very distressing does not necessarily require emergency medical attention.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a general term used to describe nerve pain in the lower back, one of the buttocks and leg.

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts in the buttock and travels into the leg. This nerve is formed by smaller nerves known as nerve roots that enter and exit the spine in the lower back. Irritation of these nerve roots can cause pain in the buttock, thigh, calf and foot.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Symptoms usually affect the lower back and one of the legs. Sciatic pain can be anywhere along the neural pathway.

• Lower back pain
• Leg pain
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Altered sensation in the leg or foot
  – Pins and needles
  – Numbness
  – Hot or cold
  – Burning sensation/pain
  – Shooting/electric shock pain

What causes sciatica?

Swelling or inflammation from structures near the nerves can cause them to be irritated or even compressed. One of the common structures involved are the intervertebral discs of the spine. As we age these dry out and start to flatten, causing them to swell or thicken around the edges. This
can happen to all of us at varying amounts although we usually aren’t aware of it as it often doesn’t cause symptoms as the body adapts. However, in some people this can be enough to irritate the nerve making it unhealthy or sensitive resulting in symptoms.

How to help ease your pain?

In most cases sciatica will resolve in a few weeks to a few months.

• Try to keep active and continue with your normal activities as much as possible.
• Avoid sitting or lying for long periods during the day. Even if moving hurts, it’s not harmful and will help you get better quicker.
• Start gentle exercise as soon as you can. Any exercise that gets you moving is good, so try to do something you enjoy. Do little but often.
• Take pain relief if necessary to help you continue with your usual activities. Speak to a Pharmacist for further advice. Sometimes if your leg pain is severe, your GP may prescribe some nerve pain modulating medication that may help.

Do I need a scan to diagnose sciatica?

Sciatica is a clinical diagnosis based on history, symptoms and physical examination. In many cases scans do not influence treatment plans. For a small group of people with sciatica, scans are appropriate as a part of surgical planning or when considering a specialist nerve injection.
Scans are also appropriate when we suspect a person’s pain is due to a serious medical condition. Thankfully, these conditions are rare and an assessment with your health professional will help determine if you require a scan.

Discuss any concerns you have with your health professional.

When to see a doctor
Contact your GP immediately if you develop any of the below symptoms.

• If your pain gets worse and you can’t manage the pain.
• If you experience sudden numbness and pins and needles with weakness in one or
  both of your legs.
• Pain after trauma, for example a traffic accident or fall.

When to seek emergency urgent medical care