[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) › Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)

[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)

Sciatica is pain, numbness or weakness running down the leg from a pinched or irritated lower-back nerve root, often due to a herniated disc.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Sciatic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sciatic-nerve/)
- [Tibial nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibial-nerve/)
- [Common fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-fibular-nerve/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Lasègue sign (straight leg raise) and Bragard sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/lasegue-sign-and-bragard-sign/)

## Why it happens

- [Pain and temperature: pathways and modulation](https://durgical.com/en/physiology/pain-and-temperature-pathways-and-modulation/)
- [Spinal cord reflexes](https://durgical.com/en/physiology/spinal-cord-reflexes/)
- [Peripheral nerve: endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium; myelin](https://durgical.com/en/histology/peripheral-nerve-endoneurium-perineurium-epineurium-myelin/)

## What it is

Pain, numbness or weakness radiating down the leg from compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, often from a disc herniation.

## Symptoms and signs

- Radiating leg pain below the knee
- Numbness or tingling in a dermatomal pattern
- Possible weakness

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
History and neurological exam

**Imaging**
MRI of the lumbar [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) if red flags or persistent symptoms

## Treatment

**Conservative**
Most improve with time, activity modification, and physical therapy.

**Surgical**
Discectomy considered for progressive deficit or severe persistent radiculopathy.

## Related conditions

- [Lumbar Disc Herniation](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-disc-herniation/)
- [Peripheral artery disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/)
- [Avascular necrosis of the femoral head](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/avascular-necrosis-of-the-femoral-head/)
- [Piriformis syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/piriformis-syndrome/)
- [Mechanical low back pain](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mechanical-low-back-pain/)
- [Lumbar spinal stenosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/)
- [Cauda equina syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cauda-equina-syndrome/)
- [Spondylolisthesis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/spondylolisthesis/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Sciatica](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

[← All conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/sciatica/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/sciatica/