KN
1
1
Moderate severity
· Orthopedics
Sciatica
Radiating leg pain from the back
Pain that shoots from the lower back down one leg when the sciatic nerve is compressed. Most cases improve with movement and time.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Up to 4 in 10 people sometime
- Typical age
- 30-50 years
- Outlook
- Most cases settle in weeks
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Slipped or herniated disc
- Bone spurs narrowing the spine
- Prolonged sitting and poor posture
- Heavy or awkward lifting
- Obesity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sharp pain from back to leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg
- Weakness in the foot or leg
- Pain worse on sitting or coughing
- Usually one-sided
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Stay active; avoid bed rest
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatories
- Physiotherapy and stretching
- Nerve-pain medicines if needed
- Surgery only for severe or persistent cases
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Keep good sitting posture
- Lift with the knees, not the back
- Strengthen core muscles
- Take movement breaks from sitting
Do’s
- Keep gently active and walking
- Use correct lifting technique
- Do prescribed back exercises
- Maintain a healthy weight
Don’ts
- Stay in bed for days
- Lift heavy loads with a bent back
- Ignore leg weakness or bladder issues
- Sit hunched for long hours
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all orthopedics doctors Top 4 doctors for Sciatica
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
HG
2
2
KG
3
3
CP
4
4
Related conditions
Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.