Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Sciatica most often occurs when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases clear up with treatment in a few weeks. People who have severe sciatica and serious leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might need surgery.
Symptoms
Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It’s especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf.
The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting a long time. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
Some people also have numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the leg or foot. One part of the leg can be in pain, while another part can feel numb.
When to see a doctor
Mild sciatica usually goes away over time. Call your primary care provider if self-care measures don’t ease symptoms. Also call if pain lasts longer than a week, is severe or gets worse. Get immediate medical care for:
- Sudden, severe pain in the low back or a leg and numbness or muscle weakness in a leg
- Pain after a violent injury, such as a traffic accident
- Trouble controlling bowels or bladder
Causes
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched. The cause is usually a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone, sometimes called bone spurs, form on the spinal bones. More rarely, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve. Or a disease such as diabetes can damage the nerve.
Risk factors
Risk factors for sciatica include:
- Age. Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.
- Obesity. Being overweight increases stress on the spine.
- Occupation. A job that requires twisting the back, carrying heavy loads or driving a motor vehicle for long periods might play a role in sciatica.
- Prolonged sitting. People who sit a lot or don’t move much are more likely to develop sciatica than active people are.
- Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way the body uses blood sugar, increases the risk of nerve damage.
Complications
Most people recover fully from sciatica, often without treatment. But sciatica can damage nerves. Seek immediate medical attention for:
- Loss of feeling in the affected leg
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Prevention
It’s not always possible to prevent sciatica, and the condition can come back. To protect your back:
- Exercise regularly. To keep the back strong, work the core muscles — the muscles in the abdomen and lower back needed for good posture and alignment. A health care provider can recommend activities.
- Keep good posture when sitting. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. For better low back support, place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back to keep its normal curve. Keep knees and hips level.
- Use your body correctly. When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. When lifting something heavy, let your legs do the work. Hold the load close to your body. Don’t lift and twist at the same time. Find someone to help lift heavy or awkward things.