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Spine care
Slip disc and sciatica: understanding back pain that travels to the leg
Back pain with pain running down the leg may be sciatica. Learn the signs, care tips and red flags.
Mangalam Hospital · 2 Nov 2026 · 5 min read
When a disc in the lower back presses on a nerve, pain can travel from the back down the leg. This is often called sciatica.
Common signs
- Pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that increases with sitting or bending
Everyday care
- Avoid lifting heavy weights and bending forward suddenly
- Stay gently active instead of complete bed rest
- Use a firm, comfortable mattress
- Follow the exercise plan advised by your doctor
Go to hospital immediately if
- You lose control of bladder or bowel
- There is numbness around the private parts
- Leg weakness is increasing quickly
These signs need emergency attention.
