Sciatic Nerve Pain? Why Your Leg Is Shooting — and What to Do Next

If you're feeling a sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back or buttock and travels down your leg, you may be dealing with sciatic nerve pain. It can be sudden, intense, and hard to ignore. The good news? Most cases improve with the right steps — and without surgery.

Here's what's happening in your body, why it hurts the way it does, and what medically approved next steps look like.

---

What Is the Sciatic Nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It starts in your lower spine, runs through your hips and buttocks, and travels down each leg.

When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it causes a condition called sciatica.

Because the sciatic nerve is long and powerful, symptoms can travel along its path — which is why you feel pain in your leg even though the problem often starts in your lower back.

---

What Does Sciatic Nerve Pain Feel Like?

Sciatic nerve pain is often described as:

• Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain
• Burning sensation down one leg
• Tingling or "pins and needles"
• Numbness in part of the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

Typically, symptoms:

• Affect one side of the body
• Travel from the lower back or buttock down the back of the thigh
• May worsen when sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Some people have mild discomfort. Others experience intense pain that makes walking or standing difficult.

---

What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatic nerve pain happens when something compresses or irritates the nerve roots in the lower spine.

The most common causes include:

1. Herniated (Slipped) Disc

This is the leading cause. A spinal disc can bulge or rupture and press on the sciatic nerve.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal can squeeze nerve roots, especially in older adults.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

Normal aging can cause wear and tear that affects the sciatic nerve.

4. Spondylolisthesis

When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can compress the nerve.

5. Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle in the buttock can irritate the sciatic nerve if tight or inflamed.

Less commonly, infection, tumors, or severe injury can cause sciatic nerve compression — but these are rare.

---

Is Sciatic Nerve Pain Serious?

Most cases of sciatic nerve pain improve within a few weeks with conservative treatment.

However, there are situations where immediate medical attention is needed.

Seek urgent care if you have:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe or worsening weakness in your leg
• Numbness in the groin or "saddle" area
• Severe pain after major trauma (like a car accident)

These could signal a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, which requires emergency treatment.

If you're experiencing lower back pain along with leg symptoms and aren't sure what's causing it, you can use a free Acute Low Back Pain symptom checker to help identify what might be happening and what to do next.

---

Medically Approved Next Steps for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Most people recover without surgery. Evidence-based guidelines recommend starting with conservative treatments.

1. Stay Active (But Modify)

Bed rest is not recommended.

Instead:

• Continue light activity
• Avoid movements that sharply worsen pain
• Take short walks throughout the day

Prolonged inactivity can actually delay recovery.

---

2. Use Heat or Ice

Both can help:

• Ice (first 48 hours): reduces inflammation
• Heat (after initial inflammation settles): relaxes tight muscles

Use for 15–20 minutes at a time.

---

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Acetaminophen may help with pain but does not reduce inflammation.

Always:

• Follow dosing instructions carefully
• Speak to a doctor if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart conditions, or take blood thinners

---

4. Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can:

• Strengthen core muscles
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve
• Prevent recurrence

Stretching the hamstrings and strengthening the lower back and abdominal muscles are often part of recovery.

---

5. Prescription Treatments (If Needed)

If pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may consider:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications
• Short-term muscle relaxants
• Nerve pain medications
• Steroid injections (in select cases)

Injections may reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve but are usually reserved for persistent pain.

---

6. Surgery (Rarely Needed)

Surgery is considered when:

• Pain lasts longer than 6–12 weeks despite treatment
• There is significant muscle weakness
• There is nerve damage progressing

Procedures typically aim to remove the pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as removing part of a herniated disc.

Most people do not need surgery.

---

How Long Does Sciatic Nerve Pain Last?

• Mild cases: improve in a few days to weeks
• Moderate cases: often improve within 4–6 weeks
• Chronic cases: may last longer but still respond to therapy

Recovery depends on the cause and how quickly treatment begins.

The majority of people recover fully with conservative care.

---

How to Prevent Sciatic Nerve Pain

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Strengthening your core muscles
• Maintaining good posture
• Lifting heavy objects properly (bend at knees, not waist)
• Avoiding prolonged sitting
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active

Regular movement keeps spinal discs healthy and reduces strain on the sciatic nerve.

---

When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
• Symptoms are getting worse instead of better
• You notice leg weakness
• Numbness is spreading
• Pain significantly limits daily activities

And urgently seek medical care if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe weakness
• Numbness in the inner thighs or groin

Even if symptoms seem mild, it's reasonable to speak to a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan tailored to you.

---

The Bottom Line

Sciatic nerve pain can feel alarming — especially when pain shoots down your leg. But in most cases, it's caused by temporary compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, often from a herniated disc or age-related changes in the spine.

The key points:

• Most cases improve without surgery
• Staying active helps recovery
• Physical therapy is highly effective
• Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms

If you're unsure whether your symptoms fit typical sciatic nerve pain, consider completing a free Acute Low Back Pain symptom checker to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms.

And most importantly, speak to a doctor about any severe, worsening, or potentially serious symptoms. Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you recover safely.

Your body is resilient — and with the right steps, sciatic nerve pain is usually manageable and temporary.