Types of sciatica

1.Acute sciatica

Acute sciatic pain often relates to soft tissue injury (e.g., sprains of muscles, tendons, or ligaments) or disc herniation. Acute pain usually heals within several days to weeks. Its severity relates directly to the extent of tissue injury and resolves with over time. It is often called acute mechanical back pain, because the source of the pain may be in the spinal joints, discs, vertebrae, or soft tissues.

2.Chronic sciatica

Chronic sciatic pain persists (lasts more than 3 months) and its source may be hard to find. Chronic pain may be present all the time, or worsen with certain activities, poor posture, and improper body mechanics. Other contributing factors may be related to nerve cell changes, tissue scarring, arthritic changes, or psychological effects of chronic pain. In some cases, the complexity of chronic symptoms requires consultation with a pain management specialist (see Pain Management).