Why does my lower back pain go down my leg?

Back pain that travels into the buttock, thigh, or leg is often referred to as sciatica. This happens when the nerves at the bottom of your spine become irritated or compressed — usually by a slipped disc or spinal wear and tear.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Pain worse when sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Treatment options include:

• Physiotherapy and exercises

• Pain relieving anti-neuropathic (nerve) medications

• Targeted injections (such as epidurals or nerve root blocks) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain

• Surgery

👉 At York Pain Group, we offer tailored sciatica treatment plans, helping patients return to normal life more quickly.