Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica

### What you need to know Sciatica is commonly used to describe radiating leg pain. It is caused by inflammation or compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots (L4-S1) forming the sciatic nerve.1 Sciatica can cause severe discomfort and functional limitation. Recently updated clinical guidelines in Denmark, the US, and the UK highlight the role of conservative treatment for sciatica.234 In this Clinical Update, we provide an overview for non-specialists on diagnosing sciatica and key principles in its management. The term “sciatica” is not clearly defined and it is often used inconsistently by clinicians and patients.5 Radicular pain and lumbosacral radicular syndrome have been suggested as alternatives.6 In this article, we use sciatica and radicular pain synonymously. Radiculopathy describes involvement of the nerve root, which causes neurological deficit including weakness or numbness. Box 1 ### Symptoms and signs suggesting sciaticaRETURN TO TEXT