If you have ever felt a sharp, shooting pain that runs from your lower back down one or both legs, you may be dealing with sciatica. Sciatica is one of the most common causes of leg pain and can make everyday activities, such as sitting, standing, walking or bending, uncomfortable or even painful.
At Banner Health, we provide comprehensive care for sciatica, from identifying the cause to helping you find lasting relief. Learn what causes sciatica, the symptoms to watch for, who is at risk and ways to prevent flare-ups.
Sciatica is not a disease. It’s a symptom of an underlying problem affecting your lower back and the nerves that leave your back. Sciatica refers to pain, numbness or tingling that travels along the sciatic nerve, usually caused by irritation or compression of the nerve in the lower spine.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It starts in your lower back, where nerves join together. These nerves meet between the muscles of your buttock to form the sciatic nerve. From there, it runs down each leg and splits into smaller branches along the way.
The sciatic nerve carries signals between your brain and legs, including pain, temperature and other sensations. When it is irritated or compressed (pressed), it can cause discomfort, from a mild ache to sharp, burning pain, as well as numbness and tingling.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body. Some people feel pain in the lower back, while others notice it mainly in the buttock, thigh or calf. However, it can affect both legs, which is called bilateral sciatica.
To learn how health care specialists diagnose sciatica and find its cause, visit our page on how sciatica is diagnosed.
Sciatica pain is often described as:
Sciatica can feel different for everyone, but common signs include:
Pain may start slowly and get worse over time, or it may occur suddenly. Some people have it every day, while others have occasional flare-ups. Some people may also notice worsening pain when coughing, sneezing or straining.
For tips on relieving pain, see our page on sciatica relief and treatment options.
Sciatica is a syndrome, not a specific disease. It usually happens when something presses on or irritates the sciatic nerve.
Common causes of sciatica include:
Other triggers include piriformis syndrome, sacroiliitis, bone or muscle injuries or, in rare cases, tumors. Problems in the spine can make symptoms worse or cause long-term pain if untreated.
Anyone can get sciatica, but some people are at higher risk.
Risk factors for sciatica include:
Jobs or habits that involve heavy lifting, twisting or long periods of sitting can also raise your risk.
See a health care provider if:
Loss of bladder or bowel control may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that requires emergency care.
You may not be able to prevent sciatica completely, but these steps can help reduce flare-ups:
For medications, physical therapy and other treatment options, see our sciatica relief and treatment page.
Sciatica often improves within a few weeks with conservative care. Some cases may last longer, especially if the underlying cause is not treated. Chronic sciatica may require additional therapies or procedures.
If your pain is severe, ongoing or worsening, schedule an appointment with a health care provider. Sciatica can often be treated with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications or procedures when needed.
At Banner Health, our specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for sciatica and other spine conditions. We help get you return to daily activities with less pain.
Continue your care journey:
Our care teams are dedicated to helping you manage back and leg pain safely and effectively. Our approach combines:
We focus on relieving pain and improving your overall quality of life, so you can move, work and enjoy daily activities.
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