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Conditions

Spine surgery · Spine and nerves

Sciatica

Understand pain from a lumbar nerve that travels down the leg and when to seek care.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Sciatica describes pain and sometimes neurological symptoms along the sciatic nerve when a lumbar nerve root is irritated or compressed.

Possible symptoms

Pain commonly starts in the buttock and travels down one leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness; back pain may be less prominent.

Causes and associated factors

A herniated disc is common, but spinal narrowing, age-related changes and other conditions can also irritate the nerve.

Diagnosis

The pain pattern and neurological examination guide diagnosis and check for serious signs.

Tests

Imaging is not routine at first; MRI is selected according to duration, progression, warning signs and the treatment being considered.

Course of the condition

Most cases improve with time, often within several weeks to three months, although episodes can recur.

Care options

Keeping moving, changing position regularly, gradually resuming activity, pain relief and rehabilitation are usual measures.

When to consult

Seek assessment if pain persists beyond a few weeks, becomes hard to control or is accompanied by weakness.

Urgent help

Sciatica with rapidly increasing weakness, symptoms in both legs, saddle numbness or new bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction needs urgent assessment.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which spinal structure explains my symptoms?
  • Which tests are actually useful?
  • Which non-surgical options can we try?
  • When would an operation be discussed?
  • Which neurological signs require emergency care?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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