Acute sciatica usually improves within 4-8 weeks. Most people feel significant relief within the first 2-3 weeks of proper treatment.

Chronic sciatica—pain lasting more than 3 months—often develops when the underlying cause isn’t addressed. This is where people get stuck. They take painkillers, wait it out, and the problem never fully resolves because nothing changed structurally.

Early treatment typically means faster recovery. If you’ve had sciatica for more than a few weeks, don’t wait longer.