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Musculoskeletal & inflammatory

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down through the buttock and leg, usually caused by pressure or irritation of the nerve.

Clinician: Abel Getachew, UK-registered clinician (GPhC 2217107). Verify registration.

Common symptoms and presentation

Typical symptoms include a shooting or burning pain down one leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness.

How The Nelford Clinic assesses this

Assessment covers your symptoms, how they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether there are any warning signs that need urgent attention.

Who this service may be suitable for

May be suitable for adults with typical sciatica symptoms where remote assessment and short-term management advice, or medication where appropriate, is suitable.

When online treatment may not be appropriate

Online assessment is not appropriate if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or back passage, or worsening leg weakness - these need emergency in-person assessment.

Treatment approach

Where appropriate, treatment may include advice on staying active, pain management, and, where suitable, medication, alongside guidance on when physiotherapy or further investigation may help.

Suitability and treatment are always decided by individual clinical assessment. A prescription is never automatic and is not guaranteed.

Safety and follow-up

You're advised on red-flag symptoms to watch for and when to seek further review if things aren't improving.

Caution: When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency care immediately for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or back passage, or rapidly worsening leg weakness - these can indicate a medical emergency. If you have a medical emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, contact NHS 111. See Patient safety for full guidance.

Sources and clinical guidance

These are neutral background resources, not a description of Nelford’s own clinical protocol.

For how this content is prepared and kept current, see Clinical standards and governance.

Ready to get started?

A UK-registered and regulated clinician will review your case individually.