Sciatica is common, affecting 10% to 40% of the population.¹ Despite it being commonplace, many myths and misconceptions persist and, in turn, make it hard for people with sciatica to get better.

Sciatica arises when a part of the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated.
Watch: Sciatica Causes and Symptoms Video

Here are 10 definitive facts about sciatica to quickly get you up to speed:

1. Sciatica overlaps with multiple diagnoses

The medical term for sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy. It can also be described as pinched or compressed nerve pain (originating in your lower spine). Some doctors may refer to the underlying condition causing your sciatica, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of bony openings for nerves or the spinal cord).

See Sciatica Causes

It may be confusing if you hear these terms used together or interchangeably, but don’t worry—it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have 4 or 5 different diagnoses.

2. Sciatica refers to a set of symptoms

Sciatica is defined by a number of symptoms caused by an underlying medical condition; it is not a medical diagnosis.² Leg pain is typically noted as the most bothersome symptom of sciatica.³ You may also feel numbness, tingling, and/or weakness, typically affecting one leg at a time.¹

See Sciatica Symptoms

3. Level of spinal nerve involvement matters

Depending on the nerve root affected, the symptoms of sciatica can vary. For example, symptoms from the S1 nerve root in your lower spine may cause marked pain along the back of your thigh, leg, and/or the outer side of your foot, but the L5 nerve typically causes weakness in the foot.⁴

It is possible for more than one nerve root to be affected at a time, causing overlapping symptoms. Depending on the spinal level affected, sciatica can be lumbar, sacral, or lumbosacral radiculopathy.

See Sciatic Nerve Anatomy

4. The risk increases with height and weight

If you are tall and/or overweight, you may be at a higher risk of developing sciatica. This risk increases with age¹ and is more common among men who are above 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) in height.⁵

People who are overweight and have sciatica due to disc herniation may also be at a higher risk of hospitalization and/or surgery for their sciatica pain.⁶

See Weight Loss for Back Pain Relief

5. Treatment depends on the cause

Sciatica is typically caused by a problem in your lower back, such as herniated or degenerated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis (slipping of a vertebra over the one below it), to name a few.¹

See Diagnosing the Cause of Sciatica

To treat sciatica, it is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, since the treatment of each condition may be unique and different from the others.

See Sciatica Treatment

6. Usually, there is good response to treatment

Sciatica usually responds well to medical treatment without long-term complications. Your pain may even resolve without any treatment. Typically, relief is seen in 4 to 6 weeks.¹ When progressive neurological symptoms, such as severe weakness and/or numbness is present, minimally invasive treatments or surgery may be suggested.

See Myths About Sciatica Treatment Options

7. Medical emergencies are possible

Rarely, certain sciatica symptoms may require immediate treatment, including but not limited to:

• Worsening neurological symptoms, such as numbness and/or weakness
• Symptoms in both legs
• Bladder and/or bowel incontinence
• Numbness in the genital or groin areas

These symptoms may indicate serious underlying conditions, such as spinal nerve damage, spinal cord damage, or cauda equina syndrome. As a general rule, see a doctor for any concerning or worsening symptoms.

See When Sciatica Pain Is a Medical Emergency

8. Long-term results of surgical and nonsurgical treatments are usually similar

Sciatica surgery may provide immediate pain relief, with results sustaining up to 1 year. But research suggests that after 4 to 10 years, the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatments is usually the same.^7,8

See Sciatica Surgery

9. Other conditions can mimic sciatica

If you have a pelvic muscle spasm (piriformis syndrome), broken hip bone, arthritic hip joint (hip osteoarthritis), or the dysfunction of a joint in the pelvis (sacroiliac joint dysfunction or inflammation) the pain may feel similar to sciatica.

Degeneration or compression of the body of the sciatic nerve or its branches in the leg can also mimic sciatica pain.

See Causes of Leg Pain and Foot Pain

10. Exercise is better than rest

While bed rest may seem like a good option to relieve your sciatica, experts recommend following a structured exercise routine to keep the symptoms at bay.^9,10 Exercise can help nourish your spinal discs, improve muscle and bone strength, and improve the flexibility of your sciatic nerve—for both immediate and long term benefits.

It is important that you learn sciatica exercises from a trained medical professional to ensure correct posture and technique and avoid other injuries or complications.

See Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief

If you have sciatica, consult your doctor for a diagnosis of the underlying problem. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help control the pain and prevent the progression of symptoms.

Learn more:

The Truth About Sciatica

Watch Sciatica Treatment Video