Back pain and sciatica
Causes, danger signs and treatment

Most people have back pain at some point. Most back pain settles within a few weeks with simple measures and staying active. Sciatica — pain shooting down the leg — is often caused by a disc pressing on a nerve and also usually improves without surgery. A small number of people need tests or surgery. The neurosurgery, orthopaedic and physiotherapy teams at Charak Hospital, Lucknow work together on back and spine problems.

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About back pain

What causes back pain and sciatica?

Most back pain comes from strained muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine — called non-specific back pain. Sciatica happens when a nerve root in the lower back is irritated, often by a bulging (slipped) disc, causing pain, tingling or numbness down the leg.

  • Poor posture, lifting, long sitting and weak core muscles contribute
  • Slipped disc is common between 30 and 50 years
  • Spinal narrowing (stenosis) is more common in older people
  • Most episodes improve within 6 weeks
  • Staying active is better than bed rest

Keep moving

Gentle activity speeds recovery.

Strengthen

Core and back exercises prevent recurrence.

Pain relief

Short courses as advised.

Surgery for a few

When nerves are badly compressed.

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Danger signs

When back pain needs urgent attention

Seek medical help urgently if back pain comes with:

Bladder or bowel changes

Difficulty passing urine or loss of control.

Numbness in the saddle area

Around the genitals or buttocks.

Weakness in the legs

Foot drop or difficulty walking.

Fever

Or feeling unwell.

After a fall or injury

Especially in older people.

Weight loss or history of cancer

With new back pain.

Severe night pain

Not relieved by rest.

Pain in both legs

With increasing weakness.

Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals, can mean serious nerve compression (cauda equina syndrome). Come to the emergency department at once or call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How back pain is assessed

Most back pain does not need scans.

History and examination

Including nerve tests of the legs.

MRI spine

When there are danger signs, leg weakness, or symptoms not improving after several weeks.

X-ray

For injury, deformity or older patients.

Blood tests

If infection or inflammation is suspected.

Nerve conduction study

Sometimes, to assess nerve damage.

Treatment

Treatment

Most people improve with conservative treatment.

Self-care and medicines

Keep doing your normal activities as much as possible. Short-term pain relief helps you stay active.

Short walks several times a dayHeat packsPain relievers as advised by your doctor

Avoid

  • Long bed rest
  • Heavy lifting during a flare
  • Sitting for long periods without breaks

Posture

  • Supportive chair and lumbar roll
  • Screen at eye level
  • Bend knees when lifting
Prevention

Preventing back pain

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Exercise

Regular walking, core exercises and yoga under guidance.

Healthy weight

Extra weight strains the back.

Work habits

Take breaks every 30–45 minutes when sitting.

Contact us urgently if

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness around the genitals
  • Increasing leg weakness
  • Fever with back pain
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about back pain

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Bed rest is the right treatment.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Staying active helps recovery more than bed rest.

Myth

“An MRI is needed for every back pain.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most back pain does not need an MRI. Scans often show age-related changes that are not the cause of pain.

Myth

“A slipped disc always needs surgery.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most slipped discs improve without surgery.

Your spine team

Neurosurgery, orthopaedics and physiotherapy

Neurosciences Slipped disc Spine surgery Physiotherapy
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Previous MRI or X-ray films and reports
  • List of medicines
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does back pain last?

Most acute back pain improves within 2 to 6 weeks.

Do I need an MRI?

Only if there are danger signs, leg weakness, or pain not improving after several weeks of treatment.

Can sciatica go away on its own?

Yes, in many people sciatica improves over weeks to a few months.

When is spine surgery needed?

For severe or worsening nerve weakness, bladder or bowel problems, or persistent leg pain despite treatment.

Glossary

Words you may hear

SciaticaPain along the sciatic nerve down the leg.
Slipped discA disc bulge pressing on a nerve.
Spinal stenosisNarrowing of the spinal canal.
DiscectomySurgery to remove the part of a disc pressing on a nerve.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Neurosciences Slipped disc Brain & spine surgery Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Health library

Back or leg pain not settling?

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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