Common Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the buttock into the thigh, calf or foot
- Numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the leg
- Pain aggravated by coughing, bending or prolonged sitting
- Weakness or reduced control in the affected leg
What Causes It?
- A prolapsed or irritated intervertebral disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative change or slippage in the lumbar spine
- Other irritation around the sciatic nerve, including piriformis-related symptoms
How Is It Diagnosed?
The doctor first reviews your symptoms, any injury and relevant medical history, then performs a clinical examination and arranges investigations only when appropriate. Not every patient needs imaging.
- Assessment of the distribution and behaviour of pain and numbness
- Neurological examination of power, sensation and reflexes
- Neural-tension tests such as the straight-leg raise when appropriate
- MRI when neurological findings, symptom progression or treatment decisions make imaging relevant
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, impact on function and relevant examination or investigation findings.
- Activity modification and medication for pain or inflammation when appropriate
- Physiotherapy to restore movement, strength and tolerance for daily activity
- Neural-mobility exercise when suitable after assessment
- Epidural or other injection treatment for selected patients
- Surgical decompression only when the degree of nerve compression, neurological findings or persistent functional impact makes it appropriate
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Seek prompt medical assessment, or urgent care according to severity, if any of the following occurs:
- Leg weakness or numbness that is progressively worsening
- A change in bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the saddle area
- Severe back and leg pain with inability to bear weight after significant trauma
- Fever or systemic illness together with severe back pain
Recovery and Daily Activities
Treatment aims to reduce nerve irritation, restore movement and reduce recurrence risk. Walking and activity may be adjusted according to symptoms, with rehabilitation progressing from symptom control to strength and functional activity.
Activities should be progressed according to symptoms, function and response to treatment. Ask a doctor or physiotherapist for advice if symptoms persist or affect work or daily activities.
Dr. Yuen Explains
Related Health Education Video
Health Education Video
Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Dr Yuen Chi Pan explains the key symptoms, assessment considerations and treatment or rehabilitation principles related to sciatica: symptoms, causes and treatment.
Watch VideoFrequently Asked Questions
Is sciatica the same as a prolapsed disc?
Not always. A prolapsed disc is one possible cause; spinal stenosis, degenerative change and other forms of nerve irritation may cause similar symptoms.
Does leg numbness mean the nerve is permanently damaged?
Numbness may indicate nerve irritation or compression, but its significance depends on power, sensation, reflexes and how the symptoms are changing.
Is an MRI always required?
No. A doctor decides whether imaging is needed from the neurological symptoms, examination findings and response to treatment.
Can I continue walking or exercising?
Some patients can continue with adjusted walking and activity. Seek medical care first if weakness, marked numbness or rapidly worsening pain develops.
Still Unsure What May Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Similar symptoms may have different causes. If pain persists, affects activity or progressively worsens, consider an individual medical assessment.