Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes and Relief for Pain That Shoots Down Your Leg
Written by Naurah Gaspard, DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC · Medically reviewed by Cherlie Joseph, MSN, FNP-BC · Updated November 2026
Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness that travels from your lower back or buttock down the back of one leg, often below the knee. It happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated, most often by a bulging (herniated) disc. Most sciatica improves within weeks with activity, heat or ice and anti-inflammatory medicine, but loss of bladder or bowel control or a weakening leg is an emergency.
In this guide
What sciatica feels like
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis on its own. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the buttock and down each leg. When something presses on its roots, you may feel:
- Sharp, burning or electric pain that shoots down one leg, often past the knee
- Leg pain that is worse than the back pain
- Tingling, "pins and needles" or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, sneezing or straining
- Weakness when lifting the foot or standing on your toes
Pain that stays in the low back or only reaches the thigh is more often muscle-related. See our guide to lower back pain relief for that kind of pain.
Common causes
According to MedlinePlus, the most common causes are:
| Cause | What happens | Typical clue |
|---|---|---|
| Herniated (slipped) disc | Disc material bulges and presses on a nerve root | Often starts after lifting or bending; most common in adults 30 to 50 |
| Spinal stenosis | The spinal canal narrows with age | Leg pain with walking or standing that eases when you sit or lean forward |
| Spondylolisthesis | One vertebra slips forward on another | Back stiffness with leg symptoms |
| Piriformis syndrome | A buttock muscle irritates the nerve | Deep buttock pain, worse with sitting |
| Pregnancy | Posture and pressure changes | Usually improves after delivery |
Less often, sciatica is caused by infection, a fracture or a tumor, which is why red-flag symptoms always need a prompt in-person check.
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- Stay active. Bed rest does not speed recovery. Reduce activity for a day or two, then walk and return to normal tasks as pain allows.
- Ice, then heat. MedlinePlus suggests ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then heat.
- Over-the-counter pain relief. Ibuprofen or naproxen can ease pain and inflammation if they are safe for you.
- Gentle movement and stretches. Start back exercises early, and add core and flexibility work after 2 to 3 weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting for about 6 weeks.
- Change positions often. Long drives and desk sitting are common triggers; stand and walk every 30 minutes.
Medical treatment and how long it lasts
Sciatica often improves on its own over a few weeks, though it can come back. If home care is not enough, a provider may suggest:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the core and reduce nerve irritation
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medicine or a short-term muscle relaxer
- Nerve pain medicines in some cases, though evidence for drugs like gabapentin in sciatica is limited
- Steroid injections near the nerve for persistent pain, given by a specialist
- Surgery, usually a last resort for severe or worsening weakness or pain that does not improve
MRI is usually not needed in the first several weeks unless there are warning signs or surgery is being considered. An online visit can assess your symptoms, check for red flags and recommend a plan. OurTopClinic does not prescribe opioids or other controlled substances.
Get in-person care or call 911 if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or new trouble urinating
- Numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks ("saddle" numbness)
- Leg weakness that is getting worse, foot drop, or trouble walking
- Sciatica on both sides at once
- Back pain with fever, after a serious fall or crash, or with a history of cancer
Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica last?
Many people improve within a few weeks with activity and home care. MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider if an episode lasts longer than 4 weeks, or sooner if pain is severe or you have weakness or numbness.
What is the fastest way to relieve sciatica?
Keep moving gently, use ice for the first 2 to 3 days and then heat, and take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen if safe for you. Avoid bed rest and long periods of sitting.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Yes, for most people. Short, regular walks keep the back moving and can ease nerve irritation. Stop and get checked if walking causes worsening weakness or numbness.
Sources
Keep reading
- Lower back pain relief: what works
- Back pain red flags
- Muscle relaxers for back pain
- Browse all conditions and treatments A to Z
Leg pain from your back?
$79 visit, no appointment needed. Adults 18+ in FL, NM, OR and WA.
Start a back pain visit →
Naurah Gaspard, DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Board-certified family nurse practitioner licensed in Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, caring for adults online at OurTopClinic. Meet our providers.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment, including any prescription, is decided by a licensed provider after reviewing your health history. OurTopClinic is not for emergencies; if you have a medical emergency, call 911. OurTopClinic serves adults located in Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at ourtopclinic.com.
