New to Sciatica? Start Here
Sciatica: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
Pain radiating down the leg from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Key takeaways
- Typical pattern: pain below the knee, often with tingling or numbness
- Most cases: improve over weeks to months without surgery
- Most useful single change: Keep moving within tolerance rather than resting.
- Commonest mistake: Prolonged bed rest.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Most cases improve without surgery, and the important skill is recognising the small number that need urgent action.
Start here
Begin here, with two things rather than ten.
- Keep moving within tolerance rather than resting
- Ask about a structured exercise programme or physiotherapy
Then add these
The next additions, when you are ready for them.
- Use simple analgesia to enable movement
- Expect gradual improvement over weeks
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Typical pattern | pain below the knee, often with tingling or numbness |
| Most cases | improve over weeks to months without surgery |
| Imaging | only if it would change management |
| Neuropathic pain medicines | generally not recommended for sciatica |
Common early mistakes
- Prolonged bed rest
- Assuming a scan is needed to start treatment
- Ignoring progressive weakness in the leg
Where to go next
- Why Sciatica Matters, Explained Simply
- Sciatica: What to Do, in Order
- Sciatica — the reference entry
- Neck Pain: What the Evidence Actually Says
- Workstation Setup: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to speak to a doctor
Seek emergency care for numbness around the genitals or back passage, difficulty passing or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or weakness in both legs. Seek urgent assessment for progressive weakness in one leg, a foot that drags, or sciatica with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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