A lightning bolt down your leg? A stubborn ache in your buttock? Sciatica has a way of demanding attention. It usually happens when a nerve root in your lower spine becomes irritated or compressed, often by a herniated disc. Pain may travel through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Fortunately, many people improve without surgery.
Start with gentle movement: short walks, frequent position changes, and comfortable activity are usually better than prolonged bed rest. Avoid forcing stretches that worsen your leg symptoms; a physical therapist can help tailor exercises. For comfort, try a cold pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes at a time during the first few days, then gentle heat—or whichever provides more relief. Protect your skin and never sleep on a heating pad.
Be thoughtful about pain medicines. Ibuprofen or naproxen may help some people, but their benefit for sciatica is uncertain. Check with a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you have kidney disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, or take blood thinners. If recommended, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Know when to get help. See a clinician if pain worsens, disrupts daily life, or fails to improve after a few weeks. Seek prompt assessment for new leg or foot weakness, fever, or a history of cancer.
Get emergency care immediately for new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. Your sciatic nerve may be the biggest nerve in your body—but it doesn’t get to make all the decisions.
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Prepared and medically reviewed by Dr. Z, MD, PhD. Cardiovascular And Thoracic Surgeon.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
