Sciatica is a condition that often originates in the L4–L5 area of the spine. It can cause back pain, but it often causes pain to travel down one or both legs. The pain results from pressure on the nerve roots from a bulging or herniated disc.
It's common for people to say their pain started after something simple, like bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The reality is that the condition was likely developing for years, and that moment just happened to be the last straw.
Treatment length for sciatica can vary from patient to patient. Some people respond very quickly while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc or the joints that need attention. The good news is that it typically takes less time to correct an issue like this than most people expect.
You may be suffering from sciatica if you're experiencing radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or restless legs.