Dr. Charla Fischer, a board‑certified orthopedic spine surgeon in New York City, explains how sciatica behaves and what you can do if your symptoms persist.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that originates from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body that runs from your lower back down to your legs. This can cause sharp, burning pain that radiates down the back of your leg and may include numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Can Sciatica Improve on Its Own?

The good news is that in many cases, sciatica improves without formal medical treatment. Mild cases often resolve as inflammation decreases and the body’s natural healing processes take over.

Research shows that a significant number of people experience meaningful improvement within weeks:

• Many people see improvement within 4–6 weeks. li>
• Milder symptoms often resolve with time, movement, and self‑care.

How to Support Natural Recovery

Staying active — even with mild discomfort — and avoiding long periods of rest helps reduce inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve. Gentle stretches, short walks, and exercises aimed at strengthening your core and hip muscles can make a big difference.
At the same time, techniques like alternating ice and heat, over‑the‑counter pain relievers, and physical therapy may help manage symptoms while your body heals.

When to Seek Professional Care

Although many cases resolve on their own, there are times when professional evaluation and treatment are necessary. Contact a spine specialist if:

• Your pain doesn’t improve after several weeks of self‑care
• You have persistent numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking
• Your pain interferes with daily activities or sleep

A specialist can provide targeted treatments like epidural steroid injections, guided physical therapy plans, or, in select cases, minimally invasive surgical options when conservative care isn’t effective.