What Is Sciatica? Understanding Nerve Pain That Travels Down Your Leg

Many people confuse ordinary back pain with sciatica, but they are not the same thing. If you feel a shooting pain from your lower back into your leg, this article will help you understand what is really happening and when to see a specialist.

What Causes Sciatica

• Pressure on the sciatic nerve, usually from a disc or spinal joint
• Common after heavy lifting or sudden twisting
• Can also happen slowly over months with poor posture

How It Feels Different From Normal Back Pain

• Pain travels below the knee, sometimes to the foot
• Often one-sided, worse on sitting or coughing
• May come with tingling or a burning sensation in the leg

What Helps in the Early Days

• Gentle movement instead of complete bed rest
• Warm fomentation and prescribed pain relief
• Avoiding prolonged sitting on soft sofas

With the right diagnosis, most sciatica settles well without surgery.

This article is general health information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor for your specific condition. — BIMS Hospital, Sonipat.