What it feels like
Sharp, electric pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg — sometimes all the way to the foot.
Numbness, tingling, or a feeling of weakness in the affected leg.
Some describe a burning or crushing sensation along the nerve path; others get intermittent shooting pains that make standing or walking difficult.
Common triggers
- Prolonged sitting, especially in soft chairs
- Bending forward to lift
- Sneezing or coughing (a sudden spike in pressure)
- Long drives
- Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods
Red flags — seek help urgently
- Loss of bladder or bowel control — this is a medical emergency
- Weakness in the leg that is getting progressively worse
- Numbness around the saddle area (inner thighs, groin)
- Pain that follows a significant fall or trauma
What to expect at consultation
Mr. Rath will review your symptoms, examine the affected leg, and most often request an MRI scan. From there he will walk you through what the imaging shows, the likely cause, and the treatment options — from conservative care through to keyhole surgery if needed.