About the topic
Sciatica involves irritation or pressure on a nerve, often causing pain or tingling down one leg. It cannot be diagnosed from a symptom checklist alone.
Practical care & comfort
- Continue comfortable everyday activity and gentle movement.
- Avoid long periods sitting or lying still.
- A wrapped warm pack may help. Ask a professional before choosing medicines or exercises.
Symptoms & signs
- Sharp or burning pain down the buttock and one leg.
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot.
- Weakness, sometimes with pain worsened by coughing or sneezing.
When to speak with a clinician: Book a review if pain is worsening, limits your usual activities or persists despite simple measures.
Food & nutrition
These are general healthy-eating choices; food does not relieve nerve compression or replace assessment.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Choose varied meals with vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
- Include protein foods such as pulses, eggs or fish.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Have sugary drinks and foods high in salt or saturated fat less often.
- Avoid cutting out whole food groups without an individual reason.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: