Sciatica living in adults

Overview

Sciatica is a symptom — not a disease — where you feel pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from your lower back down through your buttock and into one leg. It happens when a nerve root in the lower spine is irritated or squeezed.

Yes, sciatica is very common. Up to 40% of people will have it at some point in their lives.

It most often affects adults between 30 and 50 years old. But it can happen at any age. People who sit for long periods, have physically demanding jobs, or are overweight are more likely to get it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain that shoots down one leg from the lower back or buttock
• Tingling, pins-and-needles, or numbness in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting, sneezing, coughing, or straining

Symptoms in children

• Sciatica is rare in children. When it does happen, symptoms are similar: leg pain, tingling, or weakness. A child might complain of a 'funny feeling' in one leg or start limping.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have sciatica due to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine canal). Symptoms can include leg pain when walking that gets better when sitting, along with numbness or weakness.

Causes

Main causes

• A herniated or slipped disc in the lower spine presses on the sciatic nerve
• Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spine canal that pinches the nerve
• Spondylolisthesis — a vertebra slips forward over the one below
• Piriformis syndrome — a muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve
• Injury or trauma to the lower back
• In rare cases, a tumor or infection

Risk factors

• Age (most common in 30–50)
• Prolonged sitting or a sedentary lifestyle
• Jobs that involve heavy lifting, twisting, or driving for long hours
• Obesity
• Diabetes (increases risk of nerve damage)
• Previous back injury

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• If you have numbness in your groin or inner thighs
• If your leg becomes suddenly very weak and you cannot walk

Book a routine appointment if:

• If pain lasts longer than a week or is getting worse
• If you have numbness or tingling that does not improve
• If you have trouble standing or walking normally

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. They will check your leg strength, reflexes, and sensation to find out which nerve root is affected.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed for typical sciatica
• If symptoms are severe or not improving, an MRI scan may be done to see if a disc or bone is pressing on a nerve
• X-rays or CT scans are less commonly used

What to expect at your appointment

Most people are diagnosed based on their symptoms and exam alone. Your doctor will explain what is causing your pain and talk about treatment options. They may also refer you to a physiotherapist for further help.

Treatment

Treatment for sciatica focuses on relieving pain, keeping you mobile, and addressing the cause. Most people get better without surgery. A combination of self-care and medical treatment often works well.

Self-care at home

• Stay active but avoid activities that make the pain worse — gentle walking and stretching can help
• Apply heat or cold packs to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees
• Avoid sitting for long periods — get up and move every 30 minutes
• Use good posture when standing and sitting

Medical treatments

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may help (follow the label instructions). Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicines, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications. They might also recommend physiotherapy, which includes exercises to strengthen your back and core, and stretches to reduce nerve irritation. Some people benefit from steroid injections near the nerve to reduce inflammation. Always discuss any treatment with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if you have severe weakness or numbness that does not improve, or if you have cauda equina syndrome (the emergency symptoms). The most common surgery is a microdiscectomy, where part of a herniated disc is removed. Your doctor will only talk about this if other treatments have not helped after several weeks or months.

Living with this condition

Living with sciatica means managing pain while staying as active as possible. Listen to your body and avoid movements that trigger sharp pain. Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks. Gentle exercise, like swimming or walking, can help your recovery.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your spine
• If you sit at a desk, use a chair with good back support and take regular breaks
• Lift objects correctly — bend your knees, not your back
• Stop smoking — smoking can damage spinal discs and slow healing
• Learn ways to relax, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage pain-related stress

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise is important — focus on low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. A physiotherapist can give you specific exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles, which can support your spine and reduce symptoms.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic pain can be frustrating and tiring. It can affect your mood, sleep, and ability to do things you enjoy. If sciatica lasts more than a few weeks, you may feel anxious or depressed. It is important to talk to your doctor about these feelings. They can suggest counselling or other support.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent sciatica, but you can reduce your risk by keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly (especially core-strengthening exercises), using good posture, lifting correctly, and avoiding sitting for long periods.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that lasts for months or years
• Permanent nerve damage leading to weakness or numbness in your leg
• Loss of bowel or bladder control if the nerve compression is severe (cauda equina syndrome)

Long-term outlook

The outlook for sciatica is generally very good. Most people feel much better within 4 to 6 weeks. Even if symptoms take longer to go away, many treatments can help you manage pain and get back to your usual activities. With proper care, you can recover fully and take steps to prevent it from coming back.

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