RehabifyCommon causes
- Disc herniation, where the soft centre of a disc pushes out and irritates a nerve root. This is the most common cause
- Lumbar spinal stenosis, narrowing of the spinal canal with age, which often causes leg pain on walking that eases on sitting or bending forward
- Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward on the one below
- Piriformis or buttock muscle problems, which can cause similar pain
- Less common causes such as infection or a growth, which the doctor checks for
Who should see a doctor
Signs to get checked
- Leg pain that is severe, or lasts more than 2 weeks
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness, such as a foot that slaps or trips, or trouble standing on the toes or heels
- Leg pain that limits how far you can walk
- Sciatica that keeps coming back
What happens at Rehabify
- 01
History
Where the pain travels, how long it has been there, and what you can and cannot do.
- 02
Examination
Nerve stretch tests, sensation, strength in each muscle group, and reflexes, to find the nerve root involved.
- 03
Scans if needed
An MRI is advised when pain does not settle, when there is weakness, or when an injection or surgery is being considered.
- 04
Rehab
Exercises for the back and legs, nerve mobility work and a graded return to activity.
The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for you after examining you.
Before and after your visit
How to prepare
- Bring any MRI or X-ray films and reports, and a list of medicines
- Note how far you can walk and how long you can sit before the pain starts
- Wear loose clothes so your legs can be examined
After your visit
You leave with a written plan, home exercises and a review date. If weakness is present, the doctor will check you again sooner. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.
When to get help urgently
Medical emergency
Go to an emergency department or call 108 or 112 if sciatica comes with numbness around the private parts or inner thighs, new difficulty passing urine or controlling your bowels, weakness in both legs, or weakness that is getting worse quickly. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent treatment.
Common questions
Does sciatica go away on its own?
Often, yes. Many people with sciatica from a disc improve within 6 to 12 weeks, as the disc shrinks back and the nerve settles. Staying active within comfort and the right exercises help. If pain is severe, lasts longer, or comes with weakness, see a doctor.
Do I need surgery for a slipped disc with sciatica?
Most people do not. Surgery is considered when there is severe or worsening weakness, warning signs such as bladder problems, or pain that stays severe despite good non-surgical care. If surgery may help, the doctor will explain why and refer you to a spine surgeon.
What is a nerve root injection?
It is an injection of a steroid and a local anaesthetic close to the irritated nerve root, guided by imaging so it reaches the right place. It can calm leg pain for a period so that you can move and do rehab. Relief varies from person to person, and it is offered only when suitable.
Should I rest in bed with sciatica?
Long bed rest is not advised. Short rest during the worst days is fine, but gentle walking and normal activity within comfort help most people recover faster. The doctor will show you positions and movements that ease the leg pain.
Why does my leg hurt when the problem is in my back?
The nerves to your legs leave the spine in the lower back. When a nerve root is pressed or inflamed there, you feel the pain along the path of that nerve, in the buttock, thigh, calf or foot, even though the cause is in the back.
Sources
- [1]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG59. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s
- [2]
North American Spine Society (NASS) guideline on lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy
- [3]
American College of Physicians guideline on non-invasive treatment of low back pain
This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.