Sciatica is a painful condition that affects thousands of people across the UK each year. It’s not a diagnosis in itself, but rather a symptom caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and each leg.
While many people experience occasional lower back pain, sciatica is different. It can be persistent, sharp, and sometimes debilitating. At London Spine Health, we help patients identify the root cause of their pain and deliver personalised treatment plans to relieve symptoms and restore mobility.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sciatica often presents as:
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A sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg
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Tingling or “pins and needles” in the legs or feet
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Numbness or weakness in the lower limb, particularly in the calf or foot
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Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
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Discomfort that affects one side of the body more than the other
For some, the pain is mild and irritating. For others, it’s severe enough to limit walking, sleeping, or daily activities.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated. Common underlying causes include:
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Herniated or slipped discs
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Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
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Degenerative disc disease
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Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
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Trauma or injury to the lower back
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Piriformis syndrome (a muscle in the buttock compressing the nerve)
These conditions can be triggered or worsened by poor posture, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or sports injuries.
How Long Does Sciatica Last?
In many cases, mild sciatica may resolve on its own with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medication. However, when pain persists for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or begins to affect your quality of life, it may be time to seek medical advice.
If left untreated, long-term nerve compression can lead to permanent damage, including muscle weakness and loss of sensation.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should book a consultation at London Spine Health if you experience:
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Persistent pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks
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Pain that interferes with sleep or daily movement
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Numbness or weakness in one leg
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A history of spinal problems or disc issues
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Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel (this is a medical emergency)
Early diagnosis allows for more conservative treatments to work effectively and reduces the chance of surgical intervention.
How We Treat Sciatica at London Spine Health
Our consultant spine specialist, Mr Irfan Malik, offers a comprehensive approach to sciatica treatment in London. Depending on your symptoms and scan results, we may recommend:
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Physiotherapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve
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Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relief options
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Spinal injections: Targeted steroid injections to reduce inflammation
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Minimally invasive surgery: In cases where nerve compression is severe or unresponsive to other treatments
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Robotic spine surgery: For greater accuracy and faster recovery when surgery is required
Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
Tips for Managing Sciatica at Home
While professional care is essential for persistent cases, there are some simple strategies that can support your recovery:
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Avoid sitting for long periods — use a standing desk if possible
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Use heat packs or cold compresses to manage inflammation
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Practice gentle stretching under guidance from a physiotherapist
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Maintain good posture and core strength
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Sleep on a supportive mattress and avoid awkward sleeping positions
Remember: if your symptoms are not improving, home remedies are not enough.
Book a Consultation for Sciatica Treatment
If sciatica is slowing you down, don’t wait for the pain to control your life. At London Spine Health, we combine modern diagnostics, non-invasive therapies, and specialist surgical options to help you get back to living pain-free.
