Sciatica is a condition that often originates in the L4–L5 or L5–S1 area of the spine. It can cause back pain, but its signature is pain that travels down one or both legs. That pain is the result of pressure on the nerve roots, usually from a bulging or herniated disc.
The "it started when I bent over" story
It's common for patients to tell us their pain started after something completely ordinary: bending to pick up a piece of paper, getting out of the car, reaching into the trunk. The reality is that the condition had been developing for years, and that moment just happened to be the last straw.
Understanding that matters, because it explains why simply resting until the pain stops tends to be followed by the same episode a year later.
Symptoms
You may be dealing with sciatica if you're experiencing:
- Pain radiating from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg
- Numbness or pins-and-needles in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg, or a foot that catches when you walk
- Restless, aching legs at night
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing
How we treat it
Treatment is directed at taking pressure off the nerve root and then rebuilding the structures that let it get compressed in the first place:
- Spinal decompression to reduce intradiscal pressure and create space at the nerve root
- Targeted injections where inflammation around the nerve needs to be controlled
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to restore core stability, hip mobility and safe movement patterns
- Manual therapy to release the secondary muscle guarding that develops around the injury
How long does it take?
Treatment length varies genuinely from patient to patient. Some people respond very quickly; others take longer. It depends on the condition of the disc and the joints that need attention. The good news is that correcting an issue like this usually takes less time than most people expect.
When to seek care urgently
Loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle region, or rapidly progressing leg weakness are medical emergencies. Go to an emergency department: don't wait for an appointment.