Everything You Need to Know About Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, becomes irritated or compressed. It causes pain that radiates from the lower back down into the buttock and leg, and sometimes into the foot. It’s a symptom of an underlying issue, not a diagnosis by itself, common causes include disc bulges, spinal stenosis, or muscular compression like piriformis syndrome.

An analogy…

Think of the sciatic nerve like a garden hose running from your lower back to your foot. If it gets kinked or squashed anywhere along the way, water (or in this case, nerve signals) won’t flow properly, and that’s when pain, tingling, or weakness starts to show up.

What are other names that sciatica can be called?

Sciatic Pain, Pinched Sciatic Nerve, Acute Nerve Root Compression

What causes sciatica?

The sciatic nerve originates in the lumbar spine, made up of several nerve roots that pass through the lower back and pelvis and run down each leg. Sciatica happens when one or more of these nerve roots are compressed or irritated, often by a bulging disc, spinal arthritis, narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis), or tight muscles (like the piriformis) pressing on the nerve.

What are the signs and symptoms of sciatica?

Pain in the lower back, buttock, and leg, usually on one side
Pain that shoots or radiates down the leg, sometimes into the foot
Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation along the sciatic nerve path
Weakness in the leg or foot, especially when standing or walking
Symptoms often worsen with sitting, bending, coughing, or prolonged standing
In severe cases, difficulty with mobility or loss of reflexes

What tests are used to diagnose sciatica?

Straight Leg Raise Test: While the patient lies on their back, the practitioner lifts the straight leg upward. A positive test is when this movement reproduces pain that travels down the leg, often past the knee.

Slump Test: The patient sits upright and slowly slouches forward, then extends one knee and points the toes upward, while keeping the head down.

How long does sciatica take to heal?

Mild to moderate sciatica may resolve in 4 to 6 weeks with proper management. More persistent or nerve-sensitive cases can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Chronic sciatica or cases involving structural changes (like disc herniation or stenosis) may require 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment and rehab.

How does sciatica happen?