Pain radiating down the leg: understanding sciatica, recognising the red flags and knowing when to seek advice.
Sciatica — or lumbosciatica — is lower back pain radiating into one or both legs, electric-like, sometimes with tingling. It reflects irritation of a nerve, most often compressed by a herniated disc or foraminal stenosis.
Seek advice quickly if the pain is accompanied by weakness of the foot or leg, urinary problems or numbness between the legs, or if it becomes unbearable despite painkillers: these are neurological red flags.
Most sciatica improves with conservative treatment. When pain persists or a neurological deficit appears, an MRI clarifies the cause and an operation may be proposed — for example the microsurgical removal of a herniated disc.
Learn more about spine surgery at the practice.
Do you recognise these symptoms? Call the practice: +41 22 347 67 40
Most episodes improve within a few weeks with conservative treatment. Pain that persists or worsens warrants a specialist consultation.
No. Surgery is only considered if conservative treatment fails or in the presence of a neurological deficit.
Consultations are conducted in French, English or German. Our secretariat is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.