Sciatica Explained to Africans: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

By: Rukhsar Jabbar. M.Sc. Physiotherapy. Freelance Health Writer and Datelinehealth Africa (DLHA) volunteer. Medical ly reviewed by A. Odutola. MB.BS, PhD, FRCSEd.

African business analyst experiencing back pain. Picture credit Freepik

 

Highlights 

• Sciatica is a common condition resulting from pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back. The nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.

• When you experience pain in the lower back extending down into one leg and/or pin and needle sensation in skin areas supplied by the sciatic nerve, this is referred to as low back pain with sciatic radiation, or sciatica.  

• A physiotherapy exercise programme is one of the most effective ways to recover from sciatica and prevent it from coming back.

• Surgery for sciatica is only considered when other treatments like physiotherapy and medicines do not work and the pain is stopping you from living a normal life.

 

Introduction

Do you often feel pain in your lower back that spreads down one of your legs? Does it feel like burning, tingling, or numbness, especially after long hours of sitting, driving, farming, or carrying heavy loads?

If so, you may be experiencing sciatica, a common condition resulting from pressure (pinch) on the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. 

Sciatica can significantly reduce your quality of life due to acute pain with pins and needles sensation in the skin areas that the sciatic nerve supplies. Sciatica symptoms can be caused by any disorder that pinches or affects the sciatic nerve as it passes from the spinal cord through the lower back bones into the back of the hip. [1]

In many African communities, people ignore this pain or think it's from tiredness, spiritual causes, or “just old age.” However, sciatica is a real medical issue, and the good news is: it can be treated or managed with simple steps.

This article explains what sciatica is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options – all in easy language. Whether you are a market trader, Okada or boda-boda driver, office worker, or farmer, this guide is for you or someone you care about.

 

What is sciatica?

When you experience pain in the lower back that spreads into your buttock, back of thigh, leg and foot, with feelings of pins and needles sensation in certain areas of the skin of the leg and foot, the condition is referred to as low back pain with sciatic radiation, or sciatica.

Sciatica is not a disease in itself, but a symptom (feeling that you have) of an underlying problem with the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower part of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a cord-like nervous tissue running inside a canal (opening) in your back bones (vertebrae) from the base of your brain in the skull to the lower part of your back bone. As the sciatic nerve exits from your lower back into the back of your hips, it passes deep through the muscles (i.e., the meaty part) of your buttocks, into the back of your thigh and travels down to your leg and foot on each side of your body (see fig. 1A).  [2]

Fig. 1A & B: Composite image showing the back view of the lower part of a standing individual with the sciatic nerve arising from the spinal cord in the lower back. It also shows how the sciatic nerve runs through the buttock, back of thigh, to the leg and foot (A). A pinch of the sciatic nerve in the lower back (B) causes the pain and other features of sciatica. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Any pressure or a pinch on the sciatic nerve, as it passes through the bones of your lower back (fig 1B), causes pain. Pain is the most significant symptom of sciatica.  Coughing, twisting, and bending can worsen the pain. 

Sometimes sensations of tightness, heaviness, or burning might be felt as pain.  

Sciatica pain may be accompanied by weakness in muscles of the affected leg and difficulty with walking. This usually indicates more severe pinching of the sciatic nerve. (3)

 

Common causes of sciatica

Many daily activities and work conditions can trigger sciatica. The most common causes of low back pain (LBP) with sciatic radiation (or sciatica) are:

• Slipped or herniated disc- the cushion between the bone of your spine. This often occurs from lifting heavy loads with improper posture. 
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Age or trauma related spondylolisthesis (i,e. vertebrae (back bone) misalignment or displacement, with one slipping forward or backwards on the other)
• Long hours of sitting (e.g. drivers)
• Poor posture (from unsuitable chairs)
• Pregnancy (due to increased weight and changes in posture)
• Age-related spine wear and tear. (3)
• Pyriformis syndrome (A condition in which the pyriformis muscle in the buttocks traps the sciatic nerve as it passes through and causes sciatica and other nerve damage disorders)

 

Signs and symptoms of sciatica

An African man with back pain. Credit Freepik

 

The common symptoms of sciatica are:

• Pain starting from the lower back to one leg
•  Burning, tingling, or numbness in the leg
•  Pain worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Muscle weakness in the leg or foot

Seek medical help immediately if you have-

• Symptoms lasting more than a few weeks
• Trouble walking or standing
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)

 

How is sciatica diagnosed?

The diagnosis of sciatica starts with your doctor taking a thorough history and checking you out physically. 

The physical check may include:

• Asking you to lie on your belly, side or your back
• Touching and applying gentle pressure on the bones of your lower back
• Asking you, while lying on your back, to lift your legs straight and as far as you can do so
• Checking for any loss of sensation in your lower limbs
• Checking your tendon reflexes (i.e., spontaneous movement of related body parts when a tendon in your lower limb is kicked with a special tool, called the tendon hammer).

As sciatica commonly affects one side of the limbs only, (but both sides may rarely be affected), your doctor will compare the physical check on the affected limb with the normal limb. 

Your doctor may also request that you perform several laboratory and imaging tests that may include: [3]

• X-ray of the lower back
• A CT or MRI scan (if considered needed to exclude more sinister causes of back pain
• Complete blood Count (CBC) with white cell differentials
• Sciatic nerve conduction studies or NCS (a test that applies small grade electric shock to the nerve in one part and records the electrical activity at another part to determine the speed of conduction in the nerve). 
• Electromyography (EMG) This is a test conducted by inserting a needle into muscles supplied by the sciatic nerve and recording electrical signal responses from the muscles at rest and following movement against resistance. The test helps to indicate whether the nerve supply to a muscle is normal or abnormal and to differentiate between causes of muscle weakness.

 

Treatment of sciatica

The treatment of sciatica includes medication, non-medication and surgery (in some cases). [4]

Non-Medication (Conservative) treatment

Man training wth a ball. Picture credit - Freepik

 

I. Physiotherapy

A physiotherapy exercise programme is one of the most effective ways to recover from sciatica and prevent it from returning. The main goals are to improve flexibility, strengthen the core, and keep the spine stable — all in a low-impact setting.

Start with gentle, low-impact exercises

The first step in healing is to begin with gentle back exercises that build strength without putting strain on the spine. These may include:

• Isometric core exercises (tightening abdominal muscles without movement)
• Gentle stretches to relieve nerve tension
• Swimming or water exercises, which take pressure off the spine while keeping you active

Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, or heavy weightlifting, as they can worsen symptoms. In some cases, biofeedback therapy and deep tissue massage can be used alongside physiotherapy to aid recovery.

By following the right physiotherapy plan, making posture corrections, and staying active, you can reduce pain, restore mobility, and lower the chances of sciatica returning. (2)

II. Lifestyle Changes

Daily habits make a big difference in recovery and prevention:

• Sit or stand upright for long periods
• Use a chair with proper back and arm support
• Adjust chair height so your feet are flat on the floor
• Avoid slouching or sitting in awkward positions
• Quit smoking to improve blood flow and slow down spinal damage
• Maintain a healthy weight (BMI), especially if surgery may be needed later

III. Other Helpful Measures

• Topical medications like ointments, gels and creams may provide relief from nerve pain by creating a numbing effect, improving local blood flow and reducing inflammation, Common topical preparations that may be helpful include:
  • Methylsalicylate
  • Menthol
  • Camphor
  • Capsaicin
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Chiropractic care, Yoga, Acupuncture and Biofeedback are recognised complimentary treatment options for sciatica. They provide relief from pain by improving flexibility, strengthening core muscles  relieving stress and muscle tension and providing readjustment of nerve dysregulation.

• Maintain correct posture and take rest breaks during the day

• Use heat or cold packs at home to manage pain

• Take pain medication only as prescribed by a physician

• Surgery is rarely needed and is considered only in severe cases with neurological symptoms

 

Medication treatment

The many drugs listed below can be used to treat moderate to severe sciatica. 

• Over-the counter pain medicines including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - These are typically the first option. They can be bought from chemists, pharmacies, supermarkets and patent medicine stores without a doctor’s prescription. They lessen inflammation, pain and swelling. A common non-NSAID pain medicine includes acetaminophen. Common NSAIDs include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac. 

Be mindful that when taken for prolonged period or in high dosages, some OTC pain medications have serious adverse effects like kidney damage (acetaminophen) and stomach bleeding (ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac). Talk with your doctor or pharmacists before starting to take any of these medicines.

• Prescription pain medicines - These are pain medications that can only be bought with a doctor’s prescription. They fall into two groups; opioids and non-opioids. Both groups are powerful drugs for use in moderate to severe pain and pain occurring especially after surgery. 

Examples of opioid pain medications are codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl.

Examples of non-opioid pain medications include gabapentin, duloxetine and prescription grade NSAIDs.

Opioid pain medications are highly addictive and can be misused and cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. For these reasons, you should use them with caution for short periods, and under the supervision of your doctor.

• Muscle relaxants -To reduce muscle spasms, prescription muscle relaxants are used. Cyclobenzaprine and other muscle relaxants ease stiff, tight muscles and lessen spasms. The underlying medical condition that causes sciatica, such as a disc issue or inflammation of the lumbar and/or pelvic muscles, may result in muscular spasms. These medications may be more helpful in treating acute sciatica and may help reduce back stiffness brought on by muscular spasms. (5)

• Steroids: Steroids for pain (like sciatica or arthritis) are medicines that reduce inflammation and swelling, easing nerve or joint pain. They can be given as tablets or injections, usually for short-term relief due to possible side effects. (5) Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two examples of oral steroids that assist lower inflammation. In order to treat acute sciatica caused by an irritated spinal nerve root, doctors may administer oral steroids. 

Surgical  treatment

Surgery for sciatica is only considered when other treatments like physiotherapy and medications do not work and the pain is stopping you from living a normal life.

Doctors choose the least invasive surgery that can relieve symptoms and help you get back to daily activities.

In urgent cases such as when nerve damage is getting worse or there is serious pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root, surgery may be done immediately. (2)

 

How soon after treatment can you expect to get better from sciatica?

Recovery from sciatica can vary considerably from person to person, depending on the cause, severity and duration of symptoms, type and effectiveness of treatment received, etc. 

With consistent conservative therapy, you may start to feel improvement within a few months without needing further professional care. 

In more severe cases, or when you have delayed seeking professional care for months, full recovery can take 6–12 months. 

Continue low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming to keep the spine strong, even after symptoms improve. 

 

Tips for preventing sciatica 

• Steer clear of bending or lifting large objects.
• Use appropriate chairs 
• Take walking breaks instead of prolonged sitting 
• Stretch every day.

An African woman doing stretch exercises outdoors. Credit Freepik 

Conclusion

Sciatica is a common but treatable cause of back and leg pain that affects many Africans from farmers and market traders to drivers and office workers. The key to recovery is early action: seek medical advice, follow a proper physiotherapy plan, maintain good posture, and make healthy lifestyle changes.

With the right care, most people can return to their normal activities without long-term problems. Don’t ignore persistent pain; addressing it early can prevent serious nerve damage.

 

References

1. Davis D, Taqi M, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Last updated 2024 Aug. 4. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 [Cited Jul 24, 2025]. Available from here.

2. Giuffre BA, Black AC, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, sciatic nerve. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Last updated 2023 Nov. 16. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 [Cited Jul 25, 2025]. Available from here.

3. NHS.UK  Sciatica. [Internet]. Last reviewed: 2024 Dec. 3. [Cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from here.

4. Aguilar-Shea AL, Gallardo-Mayo C, Sanz-González R, Paredes I. Sciatica. Management for family physicians. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care]. 2022 Aug;11(8):4174–9. DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1061_2. Available from here.

5. George S, Medication for Sciatica. [Internet] Spine Health. Last updated  4 May 2020. [Cited July 25 2025]. Available from here. 

 

Watch the video below for further information on Sciatica:

 

 

Related:

Low back pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Telehealth Solutions for Low Back Pain Care in Sub-Saharan Africa

10 Reasons Africans Should Exercise

7 Tips for Sustainable Exercise for Beginners in Africa

 

 

Published: September 11, 2025

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