Have you ever noticed someone walking unevenly, struggling to sit comfortably, or suddenly pausing mid-step because of a sharp pain shooting down their leg? What many dismiss as “normal back pain” could actually be sciatica - a painful nerve condition that can quietly interfere with daily life, mobility, sleep, and even mental well-being.
Sciatica is one of the most common nerve-related conditions linked to lower back problems. It occurs when the sciatic nerve - the longest nerve in the body - becomes irritated or compressed, triggering pain that radiates from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. For some, the pain feels like a mild ache. For others, it can be burning, electric, or severe enough to make standing or walking difficult.
Globally, low back pain affected nearly 628.8 million people in 2021, according to estimates published in The Lancet, and sciatica remains one of its most frequent nerve-related complications of low back pain.
To understand why sciatica is becoming increasingly common, what symptoms should never be ignored, and how the condition can be prevented or managed before it becomes debilitating, we spoke to Dr Ravi Sankar Kirubanandan, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedics, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai.
What exactly is sciatica?
According to Dr Ravi Sankar Kirubanandan, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics, Kauvery Hospital, sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve - the largest nerve in the human body that runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg.
He explained that while sciatica is often mistaken for ordinary back pain, the condition can seriously affect a person’s mobility, sleep, concentration at work, and overall quality of life if left untreated. “Sciatica is often confused with normal back pain, but it can significantly impact daily life,” he said. Although the condition affects both men and women, Dr Kirubanandan noted that women may be more vulnerable because of hormonal changes, pregnancy-related stress on the body, and certain musculoskeletal conditions.
Symptoms people should not ignore
Dr Kirubanandan explained that sciatica pain usually begins in the lower back or buttock region and radiates down one leg following the path of the sciatic nerve. Many patients experience tingling sensations in the legs or feet, weakness or numbness in the thighs, legs, or toes, and even muscle weakness that can make standing or walking difficult.
He added that prolonged sitting often worsens the pain, while some individuals describe sudden electric shock-like sensations while moving. “Some patients struggle to stand up after sitting for long periods or feel severe pain while walking,” he said.
In more serious cases, sciatica may even lead to bladder or bowel control problems, which he stressed should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention. Unlike regular lower back pain, he pointed out that sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and follows a distinct nerve distribution pattern, helping doctors identify the condition clinically.
Sciatica in women
According to Dr Kirubanandan, sciatica affects both men and women, but certain biological and lifestyle-related factors may make some women more vulnerable during different stages of life. Pregnancy, for instance, can sometimes contribute to sciatic nerve irritation due to weight gain, pelvic joint changes, and increased pressure on surrounding nerves.
He also noted that “prolonged use of high heels may affect posture and spinal alignment, placing additional stress on the lower back.”
Women with certain pelvic-related conditions may experience nerve irritation more easily, while hormonal changes during menopause can gradually contribute to bone and muscle loss, increasing the risk of spinal degeneration and back-related problems over time.
Treatment, prevention, and when to seek help
Dr Kirubanandan explained that sciatica can develop due to several underlying conditions, including herniated or slipped discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, obesity, poor posture, heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements, and physical inactivity.
However, he stressed that not every case requires surgery or prolonged bed rest. “Not all sciatica requires surgery and not all sciatica requires bed rest,” he said. Treatment often involves posture correction, physiotherapy, heat or cold therapy, muscle relaxants when necessary, and lifestyle modifications such as weight management and regular exercise.
He added that “stretching and strengthening exercises can play an important role in both treatment and prevention. Activities such as hamstring stretches, pelvic tilts, Cat-Cow stretches, knee-to-chest stretches, walking, gentle yoga, and core stability exercises may help improve flexibility and spinal support.”
However, he advised that exercises should ideally be performed under professional supervision, especially during episodes of severe pain. Dr Kirubanandan warned that ignoring sciatica for prolonged periods can result in irreversible nerve damage and may eventually require more complex surgical intervention. He recommended timely medical evaluation, including MRI scans when needed, so that patients can receive appropriate treatment before permanent complications develop.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
