What it can feel like

Sciatica is often described as a sharp, burning or electric feeling that runs from the buttock down the back of the leg. It can come with tingling, and it often feels worse when sitting.

Common causes

• Irritation of a nerve root in the lower back

• Tight muscles in the buttock pressing on the nerve

• Disc changes that narrow the space around the nerve

How we help

We assess your nerve function and movement first. Many patients do well with gentle, low-force techniques and graded movement, and we will refer you for further tests if your symptoms call for it.

When to seek urgent care

Most back and neck pain is not dangerous. Please seek urgent medical care, and do not wait for an appointment, if your pain follows a serious fall or accident, or comes with fever, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, sudden weakness in a leg or arm, chest pain or difficulty breathing.