Sciatic Nerve Pain: Causes and Effective Treatments

Sciatic pain (sciatica) is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back to the foot. It can be disabling, but there is effective treatment.

What is the Sciatic Nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body. It originates in the lumbar region (L4-S3), passes through the glutes, descends down the back of the thigh, and branches below the knee, going down to the feet.

Main Causes of Sciatica

Lumbar disc herniation: Most common cause (90% of cases)
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the canal where nerves pass
Piriformis syndrome: Nerve compression by the piriformis muscle
Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another
Facet arthrosis: Wear and tear of spine joints
Tumor or infection: Rarer causes

Symptoms of Sciatica

Pain radiating from the lower back to the buttocks, thigh, and leg
Pain usually unilateral (one side only)
Burning sensation or electric shock
Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness in the affected leg
Worsening when sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Treatments at Intrador

Lumbar Epidural Block

Infiltration of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory in the epidural space, close to the compressed nerve root. Guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

Sciatic Nerve Block

Direct block of the sciatic nerve, especially useful in piriformis syndrome.

Medical Acupuncture

Effective for pain relief and muscle relaxation, with robust scientific evidence.

Neuropathic Pain Medication

Specialized prescription of medications that act on neuropathic pain.

Talk with our team

Do not live with sciatic pain. Talk with our team for an evaluation with a pain specialist doctor.

Talk with our team

Clinical Review

Dr. Cristina Heinrich

Physiatrist | CRM/PE 15837 | RQE 5581
Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

→ View full profile

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatic Pain

What usually causes sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatica is frequently associated with a lumbar disc herniation, but it can have other origins, such as spinal canal stenosis, piriformis syndrome or changes in the spinal joints. The specific cause varies from person to person and must be defined during medical evaluation, often with the support of imaging exams.

Does sciatic pain always require surgery?

No. A large share of cases is usually managed with conservative measures and minimally invasive procedures, such as physical therapy, medication and guided blocks. Surgery is considered in selected cases, generally when there is significant compression, neurological deficit or failure of conservative treatment. The decision is individual and made by the physician.

How long does sciatic pain usually last?

The course varies according to the cause and each person’s condition. Many cases improve over a few weeks with appropriate treatment, while others are more persistent and require ongoing follow-up. Only a medical evaluation can estimate the prognosis in your case.

When should I seek evaluation urgently?

Warning signs include progressive leg weakness, numbness in the genital area, or loss of bladder or bowel control, as well as pain after trauma or accompanied by fever. With these symptoms, seek medical evaluation urgently. This content is informational and does not replace an in-person consultation.

Approaches typically considered

For this condition, our team may consider one or more of the approaches below, from least to most invasive. The actual choice depends on individual clinical evaluation.

Acupuncture
Neurofunctional Acupuncture
Nerve Blocks
Image-Guided Block or Injection
Radiofrequency

This list is informational. The effective indication depends on individual clinical evaluation, with criteria and limits discussed with you.

Talk with our team See all approaches

Clinically Reviewed by:

Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro

Pain Medicine | Acupuncture

Published on: January 17, 2026

Reviewed on: January 29, 2026

This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.

See full credentials

Neurosurgeon with pain medicine and acupuncture credentials, with practice in spine surgery and interventional pain medicine.

Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.

Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808

View full profile →