Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often from the lower back or buttock into the leg. It is a symptom, not a single diagnosis.
A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or another problem can irritate a lumbar nerve and cause sciatica. Finding the cause is the first step toward the right treatment.
At a Glance
- Sciatica describes nerve pain that travels down the leg.
- The cause often starts in the lower spine.
- Treatment should focus on the cause of the nerve irritation.
What does sciatica feel like?
Pain may feel sharp, burning, or electric and can travel down one side of the leg. Some people have more leg pain than back pain. Numbness, tingling, or weakness may also occur.
The exact path of the symptoms can help identify which lumbar nerve is irritated.
What causes sciatica?
A lumbar herniated disc is a common cause. Spinal stenosis can narrow the space around the nerves.
Spondylolisthesis can change alignment and crowd a nerve. Trauma and other less common problems can also cause radiating leg symptoms.
Because several conditions can feel similar, the evaluation should focus on the source, not only the word "sciatica."
How is sciatica evaluated?
The exam checks strength, sensation, reflexes, walking, and movements that stretch the affected nerve. MRI may be ordered when symptoms are severe, lasting, or linked to weakness, or when surgery is being considered.
Urgent care is needed for loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, or rapidly worsening weakness.
How is sciatica treated?
Many cases improve without surgery. Non-surgical care can include activity changes, medication, and physical therapy coordinated with another provider.
When a herniated disc keeps a nerve compressed, microdiscectomy may be an option. Spinal stenosis may be treated with decompression.
Fusion may be added if instability is part of the problem. The correct operation depends on the cause of the sciatica, not just the symptom.
Care at Premier Spine Institute
Premier Spine Institute is located at 411 Lantern Bend Dr, Suite 100A, Houston, TX 77090. Adults visit the practice from Houston and nearby North Houston communities such as Spring, The Woodlands, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, and Conroe. If you already have X-rays, MRI, CT, or prior records, bring them to your visit when possible.
About Dr. Bonaventure Ngu
Bonaventure Ngu, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spine surgery. His training includes the University of Maryland School of Medicine, orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and spine fellowship training at the Leatherman Spine Institute.
Common Questions
Is sciatica a diagnosis?
Sciatica describes nerve symptoms that travel down the leg. The underlying diagnosis may be a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or another problem.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Yes. Many cases improve with time and non-surgical care.
When does sciatica need surgery?
Surgery may be an option for severe or persistent symptoms with confirmed nerve compression, especially when weakness is progressing or non-surgical care has not helped enough.
Can microdiscectomy treat sciatica?
It may help when sciatica is caused by a lumbar herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve.
Schedule a Spine Evaluation
If symptoms related to sciatica are affecting your work, sleep, walking, or daily life, schedule a spine evaluation with Premier Spine Institute. Call (281) 719-9505 or request an appointment online. The goal is to understand the cause before choosing treatment.
Medically reviewed by Bonaventure Ngu, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Last reviewed: September 25, 2026.