Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that radiates down the back into the hip and leg, usually because of a herniated disk. It often goes away in a few weeks, but can become chronic.
Compression, inflammation, and irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the feet.
This article reviews what sciatica is, what causes it, and how to treat it.
Sciatica typically goes away within
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthful diet and maintaining moderate activity levels, can help to stop sciatic recurring.
Sciatica that lasts more than 3 months or that goes away and comes back may be chronic.
Chronic sciatica is a long-term condition that can cause ongoing pain. It is more difficult to treat than acute (short-term) sciatica, but several remedies can offer relief.
The most common cause is a herniated disk in the lower spine.
Another risk factor is spinal stenosis, which causes the spinal column to narrow.
Herniated disk
Doctors do not know why some cases of sciatica become chronic.
Many acute and chronic cases happen because of a herniated disk. In most cases, herniated disks improve on their own
People with herniated disks often remember a specific injury that triggered the pain. An injury does not mean that the pain will be chronic.
However, people with a herniated disk from an injury may develop the same injury again, especially if they continue repeating the movements that led to it.
Inflammation
People with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may notice that their sciatica flares when their condition worsens.
Treating the underlying condition may help treat sciatica.
Infection
An infection in or around the spine can cause an
Spinal mass or cancer
Any
Some masses are cancerous, others are not, such as an epidural hematoma. An epidural hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the epidural space. The epidural space is an area between the vertebrae and their surrounding membranes.
It is important that people with sciatica see a doctor to rule out potentially dangerous conditions such as cancer, especially when sciatica does not go away.
Spinal stenosis
As a person ages, the normal wear and tear on their spine can cause spinal stenosis. In spinal stenosis, wear and tear, or inflammation cause a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is the small space in the center of the spine that carries the spinal cord and nerve.
A narrowing of this canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing nerve pain throughout the body.
Lifestyle issues
Several lifestyle factors may increase the risk of sciatic pain or extend the healing time.
People with these risk factors may find that sciatica becomes chronic or recurs. Risk factors for sciatica include:
- little physical activity and prolonged sitting
- having overweight or obesity
- smoking
As sciatica often follows an injury, people may also find that the symptoms do not improve if they continue the activity that caused the original injury.
Tuberculosis
Sacroiliac joint tuberculosis, which doctors call tuberculous sacroiliitis, is a rare form of tuberculosis (TB), a lung infection.
It happens when the infection creates an abscess that spreads to the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis and lower spine. A person may also have symptoms of TB, such as breathing problems or coughing.
TB is a
Spinal misalignment
When the spine is not properly aligned, such as when a person has scoliosis or another chronic condition, it can put pressure on the space between the vertebrae.
This pressure may cause herniated disks. It can also compress the sciatic nerve, causing nerve pain. Depending on the cause, a person may need surgery, physical therapy, or other treatments.
Sciatica can and does come back, especially when a person has a chronic medical condition.
People who do not make lifestyle changes to prevent more sciatic pain may also redevelop symptoms. However, for most people, sciatica heals on its own within a month or two.
Exercise can help ease sciatic pain. The following exercises might help a person with sciatica:
- Aerobic exercise promotes fitness and can help a person reach and maintain moderate body weight.
- Stretch the hip flexors by standing straight in front of a chair. Bend the knee to a 90-degree angle and put the foot on the chair. Lean forward to stretch for 30 seconds.
- Kneel with the buttocks resting on the heels, then put the chest to the ground with the arms elevated straight above the head and flat on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds.
- Lie on the back and bring the knees to the chest. Hold for 30 seconds. Some people find additional relief by rocking from side to side in this position.
- Lie on the back, with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Lift alternating legs, as if marching, for 30–60 seconds.
The most common symptoms of sciatica include:
- electrical sensations along the side of one leg
- pain that radiates from the lower back to the hip and down the leg
- intense leg cramps
- pain when walking or moving
- numbness in the legs, hips, or lower back
- pain when sneezing or coughing
Sciatica usually goes away on its own, with or without treatment.
A doctor can diagnose the cause of sciatica and may prescribe treatment to speed healing.
However, sciatica is not a medical emergency, and it is fine to wait to see whether the symptoms resolve before visiting a doctor.
It is advisable to see a doctor if:
- sciatic pain interferes with daily functioning
- sciatica goes away and then comes back
- the pain is unbearable or gets steadily worse
Although the outlook for most people with sciatica is good, those with chronic sciatica face a longer and more complicated recovery. The majority of sciatica cases resolve within
A 2020 study found that surgery for herniated disks that cause sciatica offered better results than conservative treatments, such as exercise. However, the trial was small, and the researchers only recruited participants from a single treatment center. Researchers also noted that a person’s outlook is typically better the earlier surgery occurs.
However,
Sciatica can be intensely painful, although most people do not have to live with it long term.
It is common for sciatica to last for several weeks. If weeks turn into months, however, this may indicate that it is time to seek a diagnosis and explore other treatment options.