The pain may range from mild to severe and can be aggravated by certain movements such as sitting or standing for long periods of time. The condition can also cause weakness in the affected leg and limit mobility.

• Herniated or slipped disc: most common cause of sciatica, occurs when the discs in your lower back compresses the sciatic nerve. 
• Spinal stenosis: spinal stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. This reduces the space available for the spine and nerves, causing them to be compressed together, thus resulting in sciatica.
• Degenerative disc disease: natural wear and tear of the discs as we age, reducing the space between each vertebrae and eventually resulting in narrowed space for the nerves, leading to sciatica.
• Osteoarthritis: osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs to grow and press against the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.
• Piriformis syndrome: piriformis syndrome can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve and result in sciatica.
• Tumours: very rare occurrence but a tumour can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.
• Cauda equina syndrome: cauda equina syndrome is a very rare but serious condition that affects the nerves in the lower spinal cord, and can cause sciatica.

• Pain in your lower back or buttocks
• Tingling or numbness in your legs or feet
• Weakness or difficulty moving the affected leg or foot
• Sharp or shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk
• Constant pain on one side of your buttocks
• Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder movements (severe cases)

The severity of the pain can vary between individuals and may be affected by factors such as the underlying cause of sciatica, the individual’s overall health, and level of physical activity.

• Age: changes in your spine that come with age become more common (such as herniated disc and bone spurs).
• Obesity: being overweight or obese can increase the stress on your spine, giving rise to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica.
• Occupation: jobs that require prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or twisting of the spine, can increase your risk of developing sciatica.
• Diabetes: individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of nerve damage and sciatica.
• Pregnancy: pregnant women may develop sciatica due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve from the growing uterus.

• Physical examination: your orthopaedist will start by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. Your symptoms will be assessed, including any pain and weakness or numbness you may be experiencing. You may also be asked to perform certain tests such as a straight leg test to accurately diagnose your condition. 
• Imaging tests: x-rays, computed tomography scans (CT-scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed to help confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of your sciatica.
• Nerve conduction test: conducted to investigate the receptivity of nerve signals and to identify if any alteration of sensation has occurred.
• Electromyography (EMG): an EMG is often prescribed and would be necessary if an incidence of compressed nerves is suspected.

Some treatment options include:

• Medication: pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ▸ will be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves gentle and therapeutic exercises to reduce sciatic nerve pain, improve your flexibility, and increase your range of motion.
• Hot and cold therapy: apply heat or ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Injections: epidural corticosteroid injections may be given directly to the area around the spinal cord and help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve if other treatment methods are unsuccessful.