Injuries
Sciatica and Nerve Pain After a Car Accident
Understanding sciatica and nerve pain
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes reaching the calf or foot. After a motor vehicle accident, sciatica can result from a disc bulge pressing on a nerve root, muscle spasm irritating the nerve as it passes through the buttock, or direct trauma to the lower back or pelvis. It is often accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness rather than pain alone, and the pattern of symptoms can help identify which nerve root is involved. Because the underlying cause varies, an assessment is important to guide the right treatment rather than assuming it will settle with rest alone.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Pain running from the lower back or buttock down the leg
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Weakness when lifting the foot or walking on the toes or heel
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing
A burning or shooting sensation down the back of the leg
Pain that is worse on one side than the other
Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sit or lie in
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We take a detailed history and perform a neurological examination to identify the likely source of your nerve pain, assessing by telehealth across NSW or in person where appropriate. We document your symptoms and functional impact for your CTP claim, and arrange imaging where the findings suggest a disc bulge or other structural cause. We coordinate physiotherapy focused on nerve mobility and graded loading, and refer to a specialist where symptoms are severe or not improving with conservative treatment. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice, and questions about liability or entitlements are best directed to an independent solicitor.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment with neurological examination
Imaging referral where a disc bulge or structural cause is suspected
Document symptoms, nerve findings and impact for the CTP claim
Coordinate physiotherapy for nerve mobility and graded exercise
Specialist referral for severe or persistent nerve symptoms
Ongoing review to track sensation, strength and function
When to see a doctor
Seek assessment if you have pain, numbness, tingling or weakness running down your leg after a car accident. Get assessed urgently, or call 000, if you develop loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness, as these can indicate a serious nerve emergency.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Part of the guide
This guide is part of Car Accident Injuries: Symptoms, Red Flags & Recovery
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.