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Brain and nerves

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain or altered sensation along the sciatic nerve pathway rather than one specific underlying disease. Irritation of a nerve root in the lower back is a frequent cause.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Pain down one leg
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Leg weakness in some cases

Understanding care

Clinical care may include assessment of nerve signs and a supervised recovery or rehabilitation plan. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Seek urgent emergency assessment for new bladder or bowel dysfunction, groin numbness or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Persistent pain or nerve symptoms need clinical review.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Sciatica — First AID health library