A Common Pain With Many Possible Causes

That sharp, shooting, or burning sensation running from your lower back down through your hip and leg has a name many people have heard but don’t fully understand: sciatica. Here’s a general overview of what sciatica is, what tends to cause it, and the range of treatment approaches available.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It’s typically a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the nerve, rather than a condition on its own.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain radiating from the lower back into the hip, buttock, or leg
  • A burning, shooting, or electric sensation along the nerve path
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
  • Symptoms that worsen with sitting, standing, or certain movements

Symptoms and severity vary widely from person to person, which is part of why an individual evaluation matters.

What Can Contribute to Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain is often associated with pressure or irritation affecting the nerve, which can come from a range of underlying sources related to the spine. The exact cause is different for each patient, and identifying it typically requires an evaluation by a provider rather than guesswork.

Treatment Options

Sciatica treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause and how symptoms are affecting daily life. Options a provider may discuss can include conservative approaches such as physical therapy, as well as more targeted interventional treatments for symptoms that persist. At PCET, evaluation and treatment planning draws on our Functional Rehab team and our full range of interventional pain management options.

Not Sure If It’s Sciatica? Try Our Chronic Low Back Pain Quiz

If your symptoms include low back pain along with radiating leg symptoms, PCET’s Chronic Low Back Pain Quiz can help you organize what you’re experiencing before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sciatica the same as a herniated disc?

Not necessarily. Sciatica is a pattern of symptoms along the sciatic nerve, and a herniated disc is one of several possible underlying contributors. A provider can help determine what’s involved in your specific case.

How long does sciatica usually last?

Duration varies significantly by person and underlying cause. Some cases improve with conservative care, while others benefit from more involved evaluation and treatment.

When should I see someone about sciatica symptoms?

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities, it’s reasonable to schedule an evaluation.

What treatments are available at PCET?

Our team offers a range of options, from physical therapy through Functional Rehab to interventional pain management approaches, tailored to each patient’s evaluation.

Want to Schedule an Appointment? Give Us a Call

If sciatic nerve pain has been affecting your daily life, call (865) 579-0552 to schedule an appointment at our Knoxville or Oak Ridge location.