Sciatica can make simple things like sitting at a desk, driving, or sleeping uncomfortable. Many people describe pain that shoots down one side, often worse when bending or coughing. It affects about 2–5% of adults each year, especially those with physical or driving jobs1. The good news is that most people recover without surgery, especially with movement-based care and guided exercise. Low back pain is often self-limiting, and the key to recovery lies in staying active and following a personalized exercise plan that gradually restores strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.2
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness (such as trouble lifting the foot or standing on toes)
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or coughing
- Relief when walking, lying flat, or gently arching the back
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating due to leg pain
Did you know?
About two-thirds of herniated discs shrink naturally without surgery as the body reabsorbs the material7. That’s one reason most people recover fully with active, non-surgical care.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica happens when one of the nerves in your lower spine is irritated or pressed—most often by a bulging or herniated disc. This pressure causes inflammation and nerve pain that travels down the leg.
Common contributors include:
- Repetitive lifting, twisting, or sitting for long periods
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Whole-body vibration (like long-distance driving)
- Excess body weight
- Smoking
- Stress and low mood, which can amplify pain over time
Less common causes include spinal narrowing (stenosis), small cysts, or, rarely, fracture or tumor3,4.
When should I see a doctor?
You should talk to a doctor if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps increasing over time, or keeps you from normal activities.
Seek a doctor right away if you notice:
- New or worsening weakness in one leg
- Numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever, weight loss, or a history of cancer
- Recent trauma or use of immune-suppressing drugs
How is sciatica treated?
Most people get better within 6–12 weeks through prescribed and tailored exercise programs and functional recovery, not surgery. The goal is to keep you moving and reduce irritation to the nerve.
Typical treatments include:
- Education and staying active: Learning that the right movement is safe and helps recovery.
- Exercise-based rehabilitation: Guided exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence.
- Medication: Short courses of anti-inflammatory drugs can ease early pain.
- Injections: In some cases, steroid injections offer short-term relief to support rehab.
- Surgery: Surgery is reserved for cases that don’t improve with active recovery or have severe nerve compression.
With the right plan, most people return to normal life within three months5, 6.
Sword's approach
Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.
Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts to your progress in real time
- Licensed experts guiding every step
- Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
- Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction
Clinical insight
