What you may notice
Burning, electric pain, pins and needles or numbness may travel from the back or buttock into a leg. Symptoms may change with posture, coughing or walking. Describe any weakness, loss of sensation and whether one or both legs are affected.
Nerves carry signals
Spinal bones, discs and nearby nerves
What could cause it?
Pressure on a nerve from a disc or spinal narrowing, peripheral nerve disease such as diabetic neuropathy, and muscle or joint problems are possibilities. Arterial and venous conditions can cause overlapping discomfort. Examination of strength, sensation, reflexes and circulation helps determine which tests are useful.
When to contact a doctor
Arrange review for persistent or worsening pain or numbness. New leg weakness, numbness around the genitals or buttocks, difficulty starting urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control requires emergency assessment. A cold, pale and suddenly painful foot is also an emergency. Call 108 for urgent transport; do not assume every episode is sciatica.
How interventional radiology may help
IR's role depends on the established cause. A vascular intervention may help a confirmed circulation problem; selected image-guided procedures may be considered within a specialist pain or spine plan. Physiotherapy, medicines and sometimes surgery are appropriate for other diagnoses. An artery or vein procedure will not correct an unrelated compressed nerve.
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.