Sciatica Dr Rob Hicks Sciatica is a common form of back pain that affects the lower half of the body. It's caused by pressure on a nerve.

In this article

What causes it? What are the symptoms?

What's the treatment? Advice and support

The sciatic nerve is the main nerve in the leg and the largest in the body. It runs from the base of the spine, along the back of the thigh to the knee, where it divides into branches.

Sciatic pain is usually caused by compression of this nerve at the point where it leaves the spine. Damage to the nerve can also cause pain.

In young and early middle-aged adults, the most common cause of sciatica is a prolapsed disc. In older people, changes in the spine due to conditions such as osteoarthritis may be responsible.

Sometimes, just sitting awkwardly can cause sciatica.

Sciatica usually only affects one leg. The pain may be felt in the buttock, down the back of the leg, below the knee and in the foot. Such pain can be mild or severe; it may be persistent or come in spasms.

People with sciatica may also experience numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the affected leg. It can be worse when you cough or move, and is sometimes accompanied by low back pain.

Sciatica sometimes resolves without treatment. However, if it doesn't you may be prescribed the following:

• Painkillers
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic
• Epidural injections

Surgery to correct the underlying cause may be required if these treatments don't resolve the problem.

To minimise the risk of sciatica, avoiding sitting in awkward positions for long periods of time. Taking regular exercise can also help to reduce the risk.

BackCare

Helpline: 0845 130 2704
Email: website@backcare.org.uk
Website: www.backcare.org.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006.