Sciatica describes leg pain from an irritated nerve. It sounds severe, but most cases improve with the right care. Here is what to know.
Sciatica is a description of symptoms, not a diagnosis. It means pain travelling from the lower back or buttock down the leg, often caused by irritation of a nerve root in the lower spine.
What causes it
A disc bulge is a common cause, but not the only one. Joint irritation, muscle tightness and general inflammation around a nerve can produce similar symptoms. A disc finding on a scan does not automatically explain your pain.
What it feels like
Burning, shooting or electric pain, sometimes with pins and needles or numbness. It is often worse with prolonged sitting, coughing or bending forward.
What tends to help
Short walks through the day rather than long periods of sitting
Positions that ease the leg symptoms
Hands-on treatment to reduce spinal and muscle irritation
Graded exercise as symptoms settle
Most people improve with conservative care over weeks to a few months. Recovery is rarely a straight line, and good days and bad days are normal.
Warning signs
Seek urgent medical help if you notice new weakness in the leg or foot, numbness around the groin, or changes in bladder or bowel control.
Your next step
A thorough assessment can separate nerve-related pain from other causes and shape a plan around your symptoms. Book with our team at Toowoon Bay Osteopathy if leg pain is getting in the way of your week.