Sciatica: when leg pain starts in the back

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, along the path of the sciatic nerve. It is often sharp or burning and may come with tingling or numbness.

Common causes

• A herniated lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root (the most common cause)
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), especially in older adults
• Less often, other conditions that need a specialist assessment

What helps

Staying gently active, physiotherapy and short-term pain relief help many people. Most episodes improve over weeks.

When to see a spine specialist

Book an assessment if leg pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or comes with weakness. Seek urgent care for numbness around the groin or changes in bladder or bowel control.

This article is general information and does not replace a consultation.