Sciatica Symptoms: What They Feel Like and When to See a Doctor

By the IDCC Health editorial team

What Is Sciatica? Understanding the Sciatic Nerve

Sciatica is a term for pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower spine, runs through the buttock, and goes down the back of each leg. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, you may feel sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg, often past the knee. Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling can also appear, and some people notice weakness in the leg or foot. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It points to an underlying problem, such as a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Sciatica differs from general back pain because the symptoms follow a nerve pathway, not just a muscle or joint. General back pain tends to stay in the back, while sciatica travels. According to MedlinePlus, the most common cause is a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. Other causes include spinal stenosis, which narrows the spaces around the spinal cord, and prolonged sitting. Risk factors include age, jobs that require heavy lifting, and a sedentary lifestyle. Because the pain follows the nerve, its location can help a clinician figure out where the problem is coming from.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, an evaluation can help. A provider like Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who works in Neurology and Pain Management, can assess the nerve pathway and recommend next steps. Many people start with Primary Care, and some are then referred to a Pain Management specialist for more targeted treatment. For more on persistent back pain, see our article Back Pain Doesn’t Go Away: What You Need to Know. Early evaluation can help prevent the pain from becoming a long-term problem.

Sciatica Symptoms: What They Feel Like and How They Differ from Back Pain

Sciatica is not a disease. It is a set of symptoms caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The classic sign is pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and shoots down one leg, often past the knee. People often describe it as sharp, burning, or electric. You may also feel numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation. Some people notice weakness in the leg or foot, such as trouble lifting the front of the foot when walking.

Sciatica differs from ordinary back pain in one key way: location. Regular back pain usually stays in the lower back and feels like a dull ache or muscle spasm. Sciatica follows the path of the nerve, so the pain travels. Doctors call this radiating pain, and it is a sign that a nerve root is irritated. If your pain stays in the back and does not travel, it is more likely related to muscles or joints. If it travels down the leg, it points to nerve involvement. For more on stubborn back pain that does not settle, see our guide Back Pain Doesn't Go Away: What You Need to Know.

Several conditions can trigger sciatica. A herniated disc is the most common cause, as noted by MedlinePlus. Bone spurs and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in the spine, can also press on the nerve. Prolonged sitting and repeated lifting raise the risk. Because sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis, finding the underlying cause is important. A specialist like Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who works in Neurology and Pain Management, can help evaluate your symptoms. Many people also benefit from Physical Therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. If you are not sure where to begin, a Primary Care appointment can help you decide the next step.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It happens when something presses on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg. The most common cause is a herniated disc, where the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out and irritates the nerve. According to MedlinePlus, other causes include spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, and less often bone spurs or injury.

Several factors raise your risk of developing sciatica. Age is one, since discs naturally wear down over time. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can also put pressure on the spine. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or twisting are linked to higher rates. Obesity adds stress to the spine, and conditions like diabetes can affect nerve health. Pregnancy can also cause temporary sciatica.

Knowing the cause matters because treatment depends on it. Many people find relief with Physical Therapy and gentle exercise. Others benefit from Pain Management approaches, such as injections or medications. A specialist like Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who works in neurology and pain management, can help identify the source and build a plan. If you're in the area, you can visit our office for an evaluation.

When to See a Doctor for Sciatica

Most cases of sciatica settle down with rest, gentle movement, and over-the-counter pain relievers within a few weeks. According to MedlinePlus, you should make an appointment sooner if the pain is severe, lasts longer than a couple of weeks, or keeps you from doing normal activities. Early evaluation is important because untreated nerve irritation can become a long-term problem. If you already know that your back pain tends to linger, you may want to review the signs described in our article "Back Pain Doesn't Go Away: What You Need to Know" and then bring those notes to your visit.

Certain warning signs require urgent medical attention, not just a routine office visit. Call a doctor right away if you have sudden weakness in a leg, loss of feeling in the inner thigh or groin area, trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or pain that starts after a serious injury like a fall. These symptoms can point to a more serious condition, and waiting can make the damage harder to reverse. The American Academy of Family Physicians also lists progressive leg weakness or a numb feeling that spreads as reasons to seek care quickly.

For sciatica that is bothersome but not an emergency, your first step is usually a primary care visit. A family medicine provider like Stella Geller DO can order imaging, check for other causes, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Many patients then work with a pain management team. At our office, Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who specializes in neurology and pain management, can design a treatment plan that includes physical therapy, injections, or other options depending on what is causing your symptoms. You can be seen at our pain management service without a referral if you prefer to start there.

• Seek urgent care if you have: loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden or worsening weakness in the leg or foot, numbness in the groin or inner thigh, or pain after a major injury.
• Schedule a routine appointment if: pain lasts more than two weeks, over-the-counter medicine does not help, pain gets worse with sitting or coughing, or it interferes with sleep or work.

How Doctors Diagnose Sciatica: Exams and Imaging

To diagnose sciatica, your doctor will start with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and a focused physical exam. They may test your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in your legs, and perform a straight leg raise test to see if lifting the leg reproduces the pain. Many people begin with a primary care provider like Stella Geller DO, who can then refer you to a specialist if needed. At our practice, Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who specializes in Neurology & Pain Management, routinely performs these evaluations. According to MedlinePlus, a thorough history and physical exam often provide enough information to identify the cause of back pain without immediate imaging.

Imaging tests are not always necessary right away. X-rays can reveal bone problems like fractures or misalignment, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives a clearer picture of soft tissues such as herniated discs and pinched nerves. A CT scan or nerve conduction study may also be used in specific situations. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that most people with sciatica improve within a few weeks, so imaging is often reserved for cases that don't respond to initial care or when red flags appear. If you experience sudden severe leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or progressive numbness, seek urgent medical attention immediately.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your care team may include a pain management specialist, a neurologist, and a physical therapist. At IDCC Health, our Pain Management service offers a range of treatment options, while physical therapy and rehabilitation play a central role in recovery. Early evaluation can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic. You can schedule a visit at one of our Brooklyn locations, such as 445 Kings Highway, to meet with a specialist, and you don't necessarily need a referral to be seen. If you're unsure about the process, our guide on whether you can go to pain management without a referral answers common questions.

Treatment Options: From Physical Therapy to Pain Management

Treatment for sciatica often starts with conservative care. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Our Physical Therapy service offers personalized programs that focus on your specific symptoms and goals. Many people also benefit from rehabilitation services that help restore movement and function after an episode of sciatica. These approaches are often the first step before considering more advanced treatments.

When conservative care is not enough, a pain management specialist can offer additional options. Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, a neurology and pain management provider, can evaluate your condition and discuss treatments such as medications, nerve blocks, or other interventional procedures. For example, over-the-counter pain relievers may help with mild discomfort, as noted by MedlinePlus. If you are wondering what a pain management doctor can prescribe, our article Do Pain Management Doctors Prescribe Pain Meds? explains the options. And if you are unsure whether you need a referral, our guide Can I Go to Pain Management Without a Referral? walks you through the process.

Your care team may also include your primary care doctor, who can coordinate your overall health, and specialists in neurology if nerve issues are complex. Early evaluation can prevent sciatica from becoming a chronic problem. We offer care at several Brooklyn locations, so you can find a convenient place to get help. The American Academy of Family Physicians emphasizes that a stepwise approach, starting with conservative care and moving to more advanced treatments only when needed, is often the most effective strategy.

• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve posture
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for short-term relief, as described by MedlinePlus
• Interventional procedures like nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections, when appropriate
• Lifestyle changes such as regular walking and avoiding prolonged sitting

Your Care Team in Brooklyn: Who Can Help

Sciatica usually improves with a team approach. Your first stop is often your Primary Care doctor. A family medicine provider like Stella Geller DO can review your symptoms, check your reflexes and strength, and decide whether imaging is needed. From there, you may be referred to a specialist.

For nerve-related leg pain, a pain management specialist is often the next step. Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC, who works in Neurology & Pain Management, can help identify the source of the pain and create a treatment plan. Many people also benefit from Physical Therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. If your symptoms are complex, a neurologist may be involved as well. Occupational Therapy can also help with daily activities if pain affects your function.

You do not always need a referral to see a pain management provider. For more on that, see our guide to whether you can go to pain management without a referral. Care is available at several offices, including 445 Kings Highway and 201 Kings Highway. Early evaluation can keep sciatica from becoming a long-term problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

Here are answers to common questions about sciatica symptoms, including how they feel and when to seek care. This information is for general education only and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation.

• What does sciatica feel like? Sciatica usually feels like sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg, often past the knee. You may also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness along the same path. This happens because the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, is irritated or compressed.
• How is sciatica different from normal back pain? Back pain stays in the back, while sciatica follows the nerve pathway, so the pain radiates into the leg. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Common causes include a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or prolonged sitting. If your back pain does not go away, read our article Back Pain Doesn’t Go Away: What You Need to Know.
• When should I see a doctor? Seek urgent care if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, if weakness in your leg gets worse, or if the pain is severe. For less urgent cases, schedule an evaluation if pain lasts more than a few weeks or affects your daily life. A Primary Care provider can start the workup, and a specialist like Tetyana Roytman MS FNP-BC in Neurology and Pain Management can offer more advanced care.
• What treatments can help? Common first steps include Physical Therapy, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers, according to MedlinePlus. If those do not provide enough relief, a Pain Management specialist may offer other options. Early treatment can help prevent short-term sciatica from becoming chronic.
• Do I need a referral to see a pain management specialist? No, many people can book directly. Our article Can I Go to Pain Management Without a Referral explains the basics. You can be seen at our 445 Kings Highway or 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island) locations.

Related Articles

• Can You Be Admitted to Hospital for Pain Management?
• Does Interventional Pain Management Prescribe Medication?

Our Brooklyn Locations

• 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island)

Related Providers & Services

• Rehabilitation
• Cardiology
• Gynecology
• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry
• Podiatry

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Pain Relievers
• MedlinePlus: Back Pain
• AAFP: American Family Physician