Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve are being irritated — most often by a herniated disc or stenosis.

Person experiencing radiating pain down the leg
Sciatica refers pain along the path of the sciatic nerve — typically down the back of one leg.

What works

  • Don't rest in bed; keep moving within pain limits
  • Nerve mobilisation exercises (slump test stretches)
  • McKenzie extensions if symptoms centralise
  • Short course of neuropathic pain medication if needed
  • Epidural steroid injection for refractory cases

When MRI is helpful

Only if symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, you have neurological deficit, or surgery is being considered. Most disc bulges seen on MRI are not the cause of pain.