Sciatica

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You're experiencing pain radiating down your buttocks and leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. This pain can range from mild aches to sharp and debilitating.
The pain associated with sciatica is impacting your daily activities, making sitting, standing, or walking difficult.
You've noticed numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot alongside the sciatic pain.
You've tried home remedies for sciatica (rest, over-the-counter pain relievers) for a week or two without significant improvement.
You're concerned about the cause of your sciatica pain and want a professional diagnosis to rule out any underlying conditions.
You experience sudden and severe sciatic pain that comes on abruptly.
You experience any loss of bladder or bowel control.
You have numbness or weakness in your leg that worsens rapidly.
You have a fever along with your sciatic pain.
You have any symptoms that suggest nerve damage, such as difficulty moving your foot or toes (foot drop).
You have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system and experience sciatic pain.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You're experiencing pain radiating down your buttocks and leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. This pain can range from mild aches to sharp and debilitating.
The pain associated with sciatica is impacting your daily activities, making sitting, standing, or walking difficult.
You've noticed numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot alongside the sciatic pain.
You've tried home remedies for sciatica (rest, over-the-counter pain relievers) for a week or two without significant improvement.
You're concerned about the cause of your sciatica pain and want a professional diagnosis to rule out any underlying conditions.
You experience sudden and severe sciatic pain that comes on abruptly.
You experience any loss of bladder or bowel control.
You have numbness or weakness in your leg that worsens rapidly.
You have a fever along with your sciatic pain.
You have any symptoms that suggest nerve damage, such as difficulty moving your foot or toes (foot drop).
You have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system and experience sciatic pain.

Do’s:

Seek professional medical attention: A proper diagnosis from a doctor or physiotherapist is crucial to determine the cause of your sciatica and create an effective treatment plan.
Apply heat or ice: Alternate between applying heat (heating pad) and cold (ice pack) to the affected area for pain relief. Speak with your doctor about the recommended duration and frequency.
Maintain good posture: Practise good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting objects to prevent further strain on your lower back.
Stay active: Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. However, clear any exercise routine with your doctor first.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on your back and worsen sciatica symptoms.
Stretch regularly: Regular stretching exercises can improve flexibility in your lower back and hamstrings, easing sciatica pain.
Consider ergonomic support: Invest in an ergonomic chair or lumbar support cushion for proper back alignment while sitting.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate pain. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Don'ts:

Ignore the pain: Don't dismiss sciatica pain, especially if it's persistent or worsening. Early intervention can prevent complications.
Apply heat or ice for too long: Follow recommended guidelines for heat/ice application to avoid burns or tissue damage.
Slouch or hunch: Maintain good posture throughout the day to minimise strain on your lower back.
Sit for extended periods: Take frequent breaks from sitting to get up and move around.
Lift heavy objects improperly: Always bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.
Twist or bend awkwardly: Avoid sudden or jerky movements that can aggravate sciatic pain.
Smoke: Smoking can impede blood flow and hinder healing.
Ignore red flags: If you experience numbness, worsening pain, or weakness, consult your doctor immediately.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe the pain you're experiencing? Is it sharp, dull, burning, or a combination?
Where exactly is the pain located? Does it radiate down your leg? If so, how far down?
How long have you been experiencing this pain?
What seems to aggravate the pain? (e.g., sitting, standing, certain movements)
What seems to relieve the pain, if anything? (e.g., heat, ice, rest)
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., back injuries, spinal stenosis)?
Have you experienced any recent trauma or injuries to your back or buttocks?
Do you have any other symptoms besides pain, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg?
Do you have any risk factors for sciatica, such as diabetes or obesity?
What is your typical occupation? Does it involve a lot of sitting, lifting, or bending?
Do you participate in any regular exercise routines?

1.Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of sciatica?

The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back down through the buttock and leg. This pain can be sharp and shooting, or a dull ache. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

How can I tell if I have sciatica and not another condition?

While sciatica symptoms can be distinct, it's important to see a specialist for proper diagnosis. At LIPS, our expert consultants can perform a thorough examination to rule out other causes of leg pain, such as muscle strain or disc herniation.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

What tests are used to diagnose sciatica?

LIPS consultants may utilise various diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your sciatica. This may include a physical examination, neurological testing, and imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

How long does it take to get diagnosed with sciatica?

During your initial consultation at LIPS, our specialists will work efficiently to reach a diagnosis. The timeline may depend on the complexity of your case and any necessary imaging tests.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What treatment options are available for sciatica at LIPS?

LIPS offers a personalised treatment approach for sciatica. This may include conservative measures like physical therapy, pain medication, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be recommended.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

How long does it take for sciatica to go away?

Recovery time for sciatica varies depending on the severity of your case. At LIPS, our team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs to help you achieve optimal recovery as quickly as possible.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific insurance plan. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the best possible care for sciatica.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.