Sciatica: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clear, clinically reviewed guide to what sciatica is, how long it lasts, and the treatment options that help most people recover.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying issue — most often a disc problem or nerve irritation in the lower spine.
- The hallmark sign is pain that travels down one leg, sometimes with numbness or tingling.
- The large majority of cases improve without surgery.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through each buttock and down the back of the leg.
It describes a symptom pattern rather than a diagnosis in itself. Because the pain follows the nerve, people usually feel it on one side. Identifying why the nerve is irritated is what guides effective treatment.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
The main symptom is radiating pain down one leg, often burning or electric, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness.
- Pain running from the lower back or buttock into the leg
- A burning, sharp or electric-shock quality
- Numbness or tingling along the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is usually caused by something pressing on the sciatic nerve in the lower spine, most often a herniated disc.
How is sciatica treated?
Most sciatica is treated without surgery, using manual therapy, targeted exercise and activity modification.
- Assessment to identify what is irritating the nerve
- Manual therapy and mobilisation to ease pressure and improve movement
- A progressive exercise programme to support the spine
- Guidance on posture and load to reduce recurrence
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for sciatica is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or sudden severe weakness in a leg. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Sciatica FAQs
How long does sciatica take to heal?
Most cases improve within 4 to 6 weeks. Some settle in days; episodes linked to a disc problem can take a few months. Symptoms lasting beyond 6 weeks should be assessed.
Can chiropractic or physiotherapy help sciatica?
Yes. Manual therapy, mobilisation and a targeted exercise programme can reduce nerve irritation and restore movement, most effectively when matched to the cause.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or sudden severe leg weakness. These can signal cauda equina syndrome.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Staying gently active is usually better than bed rest. Keep moving within comfortable limits and avoid positions that sharply worsen the leg pain.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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