How long does sciatica generally last?

About six weeks: The shooting pain of sciatica down your leg can be frightening and uncomfortable but is not life-threatening. If you notice that your foot starts to drag when you walk, or you have bowel or bladder incontinence, you should contact your family doctor immediately. Also, if you feel you cannot stand the pain, you can visit your family doctor for evaluation and possible referral to a specialist.

If do to a disc : Herniation, 90% get better over time with 75% getting better within 2-12 weeks from the onset of pain with the rest taking up to 1 year with a 5% chance of recurrence over your lifetime which can be minimized by healthy habits of regular exercise, weight control, not smoking, and good sleep habits.

4-6 weeks: Initially the symptoms last 4-6 weeks and if your body heals like it supposed to then pain relief starts. However disc herniations which are the cause of majority of sciatica symptoms last for 6-9 months and therefore people can have pain during that time as well. If not better after 6 weeks see a spine specialist to evaluate this further.