Sciatica and Nerve Pain: Causes, Relief and When to Worry
Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 5 February 2026 · Next review June 2027
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is the term for pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttock and along the back of each leg. The pain typically travels from the lower back or buttock down one leg, and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis in itself, so finding the cause matters. Sciatica is common and, while it can be intensely uncomfortable, it is usually not a sign of serious disease and tends to settle with time and sensible self-care.
What nerve pain feels like
Nerve pain (neuropathic pain) often feels different from the dull ache of a pulled muscle. People describe it as:
- Shooting, burning or electric-shock-like
- Travelling along the path of the nerve
- Accompanied by tingling or pins and needles
- Sometimes with patches of numbness or weakness
Our nerve pain explained guide goes into more detail on how this type of pain works.
Common causes
Sciatica usually results from pressure on the nerve, commonly due to:
- A slipped (herniated) disc in the lower spine
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Age-related changes in the spine
- Less commonly, injury or other conditions
How it is assessed
Most cases are diagnosed from the description of symptoms and a physical examination. Scans are not usually needed early on, as many cases improve on their own. Imaging may be considered if symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by warning signs.
Relief and recovery
The good news is that most cases of sciatica improve within weeks. The general approach focuses on staying active and managing pain.
Self-care
- Keep moving: Gentle activity is better than prolonged bed rest, which can slow recovery.
- Stretching and exercises: Specific movements, often guided by a physiotherapist, can ease symptoms.
- Heat or cold: Some people find warmth or cold packs soothing.
- Good posture: Adjusting how you sit, lift and sleep can reduce strain.
Medicines
Ordinary painkillers are not always very effective for nerve pain. A doctor may suggest treatments specifically for neuropathic pain, such as pregabalin or duloxetine, which act on the nervous system. Pregabalin is a controlled medicine, should never be stopped abruptly and requires careful supervision. You can read our Pregabalin guide and explore the pregabalin range and broader pain range, but any treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Physiotherapy and other support
A physiotherapist can provide a tailored exercise programme and advice on returning to normal activity. For persistent cases, other options such as injections or, rarely, surgery may be considered. Surgery is generally reserved for situations where there is significant nerve compression that has not responded to other measures, or where there are warning signs.
Helping yourself recover
Staying positive and active makes a real difference. Fear of movement can lead to stiffness and slower recovery, so gradually returning to normal activities as the pain allows is encouraged. Simple steps such as breaking up long periods of sitting, lifting carefully and keeping generally fit all reduce the chance of sciatica returning.
Red flags: when to seek urgent help
Most sciatica is not dangerous, but seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Numbness around the genitals or buttocks (saddle area)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness in the legs
- Pain following a serious injury
These can signal a rare but serious problem requiring urgent care.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if sciatica does not improve after a few weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with daily life. They can confirm the cause, advise on treatment and refer you if needed. Browse our shop all range, but seek professional advice before starting any medicine.
General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica usually last?+
Most cases of sciatica improve within a few weeks with self-care and staying active. If pain persists beyond that, keeps returning, or worsens, it is worth seeing a doctor to confirm the cause and discuss further options.
Why don't ordinary painkillers always help sciatica?+
Sciatica often involves nerve pain, which responds differently from muscle pain. Standard painkillers may have limited effect, so doctors sometimes suggest medicines that act on the nervous system, such as pregabalin or duloxetine, under supervision.
Should I rest in bed with sciatica?+
Generally no. Prolonged bed rest can actually slow recovery. Staying gently active, with stretching and exercises often guided by a physiotherapist, tends to help sciatica settle more quickly.
When is sciatica an emergency?+
Seek urgent medical help if you develop numbness around the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or worsening leg weakness. These rare warning signs can indicate a serious problem needing immediate care.
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