Pain travelling from your back or bottom into your leg can make sitting, walking and sleeping difficult. You may have heard it described as sciatica, although not every leg pain has the same cause.
Getting the symptoms assessed is the best starting point. A name can help describe a problem, but you also need to know what that means for your day.
What sciatica can feel like
Sciatica involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms commonly affect one side and may include pain, tingling, numbness or weakness extending into the leg or foot.
Back pain can be present, but leg symptoms may be more noticeable. Having back pain alone does not necessarily mean you have sciatica.
What a sciatica assessment should explore
We will ask about the symptoms and how they have changed. We may assess relevant movement, strength and sensation, alongside your medical history. Tell us about weakness, altered feeling and any change in walking, even if pain is your main concern.
The aim is to decide whether physiotherapy is suitable, whether another assessment is needed and what you can do in the meantime. A scan is not automatically required. NICE advises against routine imaging in a non-specialist setting for low back pain with or without sciatica.
Finding a manageable level of activity
Many people improve over time. Keeping up tolerable everyday movement is usually preferable to spending long periods sitting or lying down.
That does not mean forcing your normal routine regardless of symptoms. We can help you decide which activities to adjust and how to build them back. Ask what changes are expected and which should prompt a review.
There is no single stretch that suits everyone with leg pain. If an exercise makes your symptoms worse, stop and get advice rather than pushing further because a video says it should help.
Sciatica warning signs to act on
Go to A&E or call 999 for symptoms on both sides, severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs, numbness around your genitals or anus, or new difficulty controlling or passing urine or stools. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Contact your GP if symptoms are worsening, stopping everyday activity or not improving after a few weeks. New or progressive weakness should be assessed promptly.
You can learn more about our sciatica support or contact Summit to discuss a suitable assessment. We will explain our findings and the next steps in language you can use.
