Can a herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica?

If you’ve felt sharp pain travelling from your lower back into your leg, you might be wondering if it’s sciatica and whether a herniated, slipped or bulging disc is the cause.

At Harpenden Sports & Spinal, we see this every day, and the good news is that most people recover without surgery. If you already suspect a disc issue, you can read more here. More information on Herniated Disc Treatment 

What is a herniated disc?

Your spine is made of vertebrae separated by discs that act like shock absorbers. A herniated disc (often called a “slipped disc”) happens when some of the soft inner material pushes through the tougher outer wall.

When this occurs in the lower back, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve. For a deeper dive into  symptoms and how to get help, see our page on More information on Herniated Disc Treatment 

How does a herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica?

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower ba...