Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg. It is usually caused by a bulging disc pressing on the nerve. Most sciatica improves within a few weeks with the right care and sciatica pain relief.

What Is It

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. A herniated disc, bone spurs, or tight muscles can press on it. Lifting, twisting, long periods of sitting, and pregnancy can trigger it. It usually affects one side.

Symptoms

Sharp, burning, or shooting pain down one leg
Pain that is worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Low back pain
Weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that eases when lying down or walking

Not sure it’s sciatica? Pain that stays in the low back without traveling down the leg is often a back strain. Pain in the hip or groin may come from the hip joint.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider checks strength, reflexes, and sensation to find which nerve is affected and rule out anything serious. Treatment focuses on pain and muscle spasm. Most sciatica does not need an MRI in the first weeks.

At home:

Keep moving with short walks
Use heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes
Avoid sitting for long periods
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed

Most sciatica improves within 4 to 6 weeks.

When to Get Care for Sciatica

Watch at Home

Mild leg pain that is improving
Able to walk normally
No numbness or weakness

Come to Urgent Care Today

Pain shooting down the leg that keeps you from sleeping or working
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Pain not improving after a week
Sciatica after a fall or injury

Go to the Emergency Department

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
New weakness, or a foot that drags
Sciatica with fever or a history of cancer

FAQ

What does sciatica feel like?

Sciatica feels like a sharp, burning, or electric pain that shoots from the low back or buttock down one leg, sometimes with numbness or tingling.

What helps sciatica pain fast?

Short walks, heat or ice, gentle stretching, and over the counter pain relievers help sciatica pain. Avoid long periods of sitting.

How long does sciatica last?

Most sciatica improves within 4 to 6 weeks. Some cases take a few months. Staying active with gentle walking usually helps it heal faster.

Should I rest with sciatica?

Short rest is fine, but staying in bed slows recovery. Gentle movement and walking help sciatica heal faster.

Can urgent care treat sciatica?

Yes, urgent care can treat sciatica. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check your nerves and discuss treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is sciatica an emergency?

Sciatica is an emergency when it comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or new leg weakness.

Last reviewed October 2026