Sciatica is a painful condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to radiating pain from the lower back into the hip, buttock, and leg. Many patients experiencing this discomfort for the first time wonder: does sciatica go away? The answer depends on the cause, severity, and how quickly proper treatment begins.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Yes — in some cases, mild sciatica can improve within a few weeks with rest and self-care. However, this only applies to minor irritation or temporary inflammation. If sciatica is caused by a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or accident-related injury, the pain often does not go away without medical intervention.
How long does sciatica usually last?
Recovery time varies, but most mild cases improve in 4–6 weeks. Sciatica becomes chronic when symptoms last 12 weeks or longer, or when flare-ups repeatedly return over time. Persistent or worsening pain is a sign that the nerve continues to be compressed — and requires professional treatment to prevent long-term damage.
What causes sciatica to stick around?
Sciatica may not go away on its own if any of the following conditions are present:
- Herniated or bulging disc pressing on the nerve.
- Spinal stenosis narrowing the spinal canal.
- Degenerative disc disease irritating nerve roots.
- Piriformis syndrome causing muscle compression in the buttock.
- Accident or workplace injury leading to ongoing inflammation or tissue damage.
Signs your sciatica will NOT go away without treatment
You should see a specialist if you experience:
- Pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or lifting.
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
- Pain following a car accident or work injury.
At-home care for temporary relief
While home remedies won’t cure sciatica permanently, they may provide short-term relief:
- Ice and heat therapy for inflammation and muscle relaxation.
- Gentle stretching to reduce tightness in the lower back and hips.
- Light activity such as walking, avoiding long periods of sitting.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories when appropriate.
Medical treatments that help sciatica go away for good
To eliminate sciatica long-term, you must treat the underlying cause of nerve compression. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, we offer advanced non-surgical treatments including:
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- Nerve blocks for fast, targeted pain relief.
- Radiofrequency ablation to stop chronic pain signals.
- PRP therapy to heal injured tissues naturally.
- Rehabilitation programs to restore mobility and prevent recurrence.
Does sciatica go away permanently?
Yes — with proper diagnosis and treatment, many patients achieve long-term or permanent relief. The key is addressing the root cause early before chronic nerve damage develops.
Expert sciatica treatment for lasting relief
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD, offers over 35 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating sciatica. Using minimally invasive, non-surgical methods, he helps patients eliminate pain and return to normal daily activity.
Don’t wait for sciatica to get worse — call 201-894-1313 or schedule your consultation today for professional relief.
