Sciatica

If you have ever felt a sharp, shooting pain that runs from your lower back down one or both legs, you may be dealing with sciatica. This common problem affects millions of people and can make everyday activities, such as sitting, standing, walking or bending, uncomfortable or even painful. 

At Banner Brain & Spine, we provide comprehensive care for sciatica, from finding the cause to helping you get relief. Learn what causes sciatica, the symptoms to watch for, who is at risk and ways to prevent flare-ups.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is not a disease. It’s a symptom of an underlying problem with your lower back and the nerves that leave your back. Sciatica means pain, numbness or tingling that travels along the sciatic nerve. 

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It starts in your lower back, where nerves join together. These nerves meet between the muscles of your buttock to form the sciatic nerve. From there, it runs down each leg and splits into smaller branches along the way. 

The sciatic nerve carries signals between your brain and legs, including pain, temperature and other sensations. When it is irritated or compressed (pressed), it can cause discomfort, from a mild ache to sharp, burning pain, as well as numbness and tingling.

Sciatica usually affects one side of the body. Some people feel pain in the lower back, while others notice it mainly in the buttock, thigh or calf. However, it can affect both legs which is called bilateral sciatica.

To learn how health care specialists diagnose sciatica and find its cause, visit our page on how sciatica is diagnosed. 

Common symptoms of sciatica

Sciatica can feel different for everyone, but common signs include:

• Shooting pain in the leg: Often described as sharp, electric or burning
• Numbness or tingling: Pins-and-needles feeling in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness: Legs or feet may feel heavy or unstable, or you may lose the ability to perform certain movements
• Pain that worsens with certain movements: Bending forward, standing up or twisting

Pain may start slowly and get worse over time, or it may occur suddenly. Some people have it every day, while others have occasional flare-ups.

For tips on relieving pain, see our page on sciatica relief and treatment options. 

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is a syndrome, not a specific disease. It usually happens when something presses on or irritates the sciatic nerve. 

Common causes of sciatica include:

• Herniated or slipped disk: A spinal disk (intervertebral disc) bulges and presses on a nerve
• Bone spurs: Small growths on the spine that pinch the nerve
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or the nerve pathways, often from aging
• Pregnancy: Weight gain and posture changes can strain the lower back and increase stress on the joints, causing compression of the nerves

Other triggers include piriformis syndrome, sacroiliitis, bone or muscle injuries or, in rare cases, tumors. Problems in the spine can make symptoms worse or cause long-term pain if untreated. 

Who is most at risk for sciatica?

Anyone can get sciatica, but some people are at higher risk. 

Risk factors for sciatica include:

• Age: People over 40 are more likely to experience degenerative spinal changes.
• Weight: Extra weight puts more stress on the spine.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long periods can weaken muscles that support your back.
• Diabetes: This condition increases the risk of nerve problems.
• Smoking: Nicotine use has been shown to accelerate degenerative changes in the spine.

Jobs or habits that involve heavy lifting, twisting or long periods of sitting can also raise your risk.

How to prevent sciatica or reduce flare-ups

You may not be able to prevent sciatica completely, but these steps can help:

• Stay active and exercise regularly: Gentle movement and stretches strengthen your back and core muscles. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming or yoga, can help keep your spine flexible.
• Lift safely: Bend your knees and keep your back straight and arms bent when lifting heavy items.
• Maintain good posture: Avoid slouching and use ergonomic chairs or supports to support your back.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid activities that worsen pain. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking and nicotine.
• Medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort.
• Therapies: Physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care and acupuncture may help ease pain and improve flexibility.

For exercises and therapies designed to relieve sciatica, see our guide on exercises and treatments.

Explore next steps for care

If your pain is severe, ongoing or worsening, see a health care provider. Sciatica can often be treated with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications or procedures if needed.

At Banner Brain & Spine, our specialists provide comprehensive care for the diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. We help get you back to daily activities with less pain. 

Continue your care journey:

• How is sciatica diagnosed?
• What treatment options are available?
• Request an appointment with a Banner Health provider

Why choose Banner Brain & Spine?

Our care teams are dedicated to helping you manage back and leg pain safely and effectively. Our approach combines:

• Expert spine and nerve specialists
• Personalized treatment plans
• Advanced diagnostic and therapy options
• Coordinated care across multiple disciplines

We focus on relieving pain and improving your overall quality of life, so you can move, work and enjoy daily activities.