General information only. Not a diagnosis, and not a substitute for an assessment.

What is it?

Sciatica is pain caused when the sciatic nerve is squashed or irritated. This nerve is the longest in your body. It runs from your lower back, through your bottom, and down each leg to your foot.

Sciatica usually affects one leg. It can feel like a sharp, burning or shooting pain. You might also get pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the leg.

Common causes

A disc in the spine bulging and pressing on the nerve (sometimes called a slipped disc)
Narrowing of the space around the nerves in the lower back
Tight muscles deep in the bottom
Sometimes no clear cause is found

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have sciatica in both legs
you have weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse
you have numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom (anus)
you find it hard to start peeing, cannot pee, or cannot control when you pee, and this is not normal for you
you do not notice when you need to poo, or cannot control when you poo, and this is not normal for you

These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious problem that needs treating in hospital straight away.

Do not drive yourself to A&E. Ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

the pain is getting worse
the pain has not improved after trying things at home for a few weeks
the pain is stopping you doing your normal activities

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

How physio can help

Explaining what is happening, and what is safe to do
Exercises to ease pressure on the nerve and get you moving
Advice on positions that feel easier for sitting, sleeping and working
A plan to build your strength back up as the pain settles

Everyone is different. We'll talk through what is likely to help you, and be honest if something else would suit you better.

What you can do at home

Keep moving as much as you can. Gentle walking often helps.
Do not sit or lie down for long periods. Moving is not harmful, even if it hurts a bit.
Try heat packs on your lower back or bottom.
A pharmacist can give you advice about pain relief.

Stop anything that makes your pain much worse, and get advice if you're not sure. Don't stop taking any medicine you've been prescribed without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Treatments that may help

Initial assessment — 50 minutes, £65
Follow-up physiotherapy — 40 minutes, £55
Pilates-based rehab classes — 55 minutes, £15