Sciatica at a glance
Often nerve-like
Shooting, burning, tingling, pins and needles, or numbness down the leg.
Timeframes vary
Many improve in weeks, but persistence can happen and still responds to the right plan.
Know red flags
Certain symptoms need urgent medical assessment.
This page is educational. If you are worried or your symptoms are changing quickly, seek personalised medical advice.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain and other sensations caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots in the lower spine. It is commonly felt in the buttock and down the back or side of the leg. It can come with tingling, numbness, or weakness, although severe weakness is less common and should be assessed.
Why does sciatica happen?
What can trigger sciatica?
Sciatica can be linked to irritation around a nerve root in the lower spine, sometimes involving disc changes, inflammation, or narrowing around the nerve. Symptoms can also be influenced by muscle guarding, reduced movement confidence, and an over-protective nervous system response.
Why can symptoms persist?
When symptoms last, the system may stay in protection mode. Nerves can become more irritable, muscles can tighten, and the brain can start to predict danger with certain movements. This does not automatically mean harm is occurring each day; it often means the nervous system is still on high alert.
Learn more in prediction, danger and safety.
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve over weeks, but timelines vary. As a rough guide:
- Acute: up to 6 weeks
- Sub-acute: 6 to 12 weeks
- Persistent: beyond 12 weeks
If you are stuck, it is usually less about finding the perfect stretch and more about building a structured plan that reduces threat, improves confidence, and restores normal movement.
When should I worry about sciatica?
Seek urgent medical assessment if you have sciatica alongside any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine
- Numbness around the groin or inner thighs (saddle area)
- Progressive leg weakness or foot drop that is worsening
- Severe, escalating pain after trauma
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or feeling systemically unwell
If you are unsure, it is reasonable to speak with a clinician. This page is educational and does not replace personalised medical advice.
What helps with sciatica?
What helps most people
- Keep moving gently: frequent, tolerable movement is often better than prolonged rest.
- Pace activity: avoid boom and bust cycles that trigger flares.
- Reduce threat: worry and vigilance can amplify symptoms.
- Build confidence: retrain avoided movements gradually.
If you keep flaring or feel stuck
If symptoms recur or feel unpredictable, it can help to look for patterns, triggers, and threat responses, not just posture or “wear and tear”. Many people benefit from nervous system-informed rehab and mind-body approaches alongside sensible medical care.
Explore flare-ups, patterns and triggers and self-guided tools and practices.
Common questions about sciatica
Can sciatica heal on its own?
Many cases improve over time, especially with gentle movement, pacing, and support. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, or if you notice weakness or significant numbness, it is worth getting assessed and building a structured plan.
Does sciatica mean I have a slipped disc?
Not necessarily. Disc changes can be one factor, but irritation and sensitivity can also drive symptoms. Scans do not always explain how you feel, and recovery is still possible even when scans show “abnormalities”.
What should I do next if I am stuck?
Aim for a plan that addresses both the body and the nervous system: gradual movement, reduced threat responses, sleep and stress support, and the right clinical guidance. Neurowaze can help you find a practitioner who matches your situation.
Clinical note
Sciatica is often described clinically as lumbar radicular pain or radiculopathy when there are nerve root signs. Coding and diagnosis vary based on examination findings. This page is educational and is not a diagnosis.