NHS provides condition and medicine guidance, with condition dates reflecting the latest pages used, and nearby England service listings ordered by distance; availability details may be missing.
Your information
The health condition in plain words, for example chickenpox.
Example results
- Causes
- Causes of sciatica Sciatica happens when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. Causes include: a slipped disc, when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out – this is the most common cause of sciatica and is more likely to happen as you get older spinal stenosis – narrowing of the part of your spine where nerves pass through spondylolisthesis – when one of the bones in your spine slips out of position a back injury
- Overview
- Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months but can last longer.
- See A Gp
- Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have sciatica and the pain: has not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks is getting worse is stopping you doing your normal activities Refer yourself for back or joint help In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. Get NHS help for back or joint problems
- Symptoms
- Symptoms of sciatica The symptoms of sciatica usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg, often including your foot and toes. You may feel: a sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg tingling – like pins and needles numbness weakness Your symptoms may come on suddenly but they can also start slowly. The pain may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. You may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your leg. You probably do not have sciatica if you only have back pain.
- Page Link
- nhs.uk
- Treatment
- How you can ease sciatica pain yourself Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but it can sometimes last longer. It can also return if you've had it before. To help relieve your pain and speed up recovery: Do carry on with your normal activities as much as possible try regular exercises for sciatica start gentle exercise as soon as you can – anything that gets you moving can help hold heat packs to the painful areas – you can buy these from pharmacies ask a pharmacist about painkillers (paracetamol is unlikely to help and it's not clear how much NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help with sciatica) Don’t do not sit or lie down for long periods – even if moving hurts, it's not harmful and can help you get better faster Treatments for sciatica Main treatments for sciatica If you have sciatica, treatments can include: exercises and stretches painkillers physiotherapy – including exercise advice and techniques like massage (manual therapy) Physiotherapy is free of charge on the NHS throughout the UK, but waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately. Other treatments for sciatica If your pain is severe and treatments have not helped, you may be referred to a hospital specialist for: a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (radiofrequency denervation) a painkilling injection such as an epidural to stop you feeling pain surgery – an operation called decompression surgery can sometimes help relieve sciatica
- Prevention
- How to stop sciatica coming back If you have sciatica, or have had it in the past, there's a chance you could get it again. But there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of this happening. Do stay active – take regular exercise use a safe technique when lifting heavy objects make sure you have a good posture when sitting and standing sit correctly when using a computer lose weight if you're overweight Don’t do not smoke – smoking can increase your risk of getting sciatica
- Call Nhs 111
- Not provided
- Condition Name
- Sciatica
- Page Last Reviewed
- 2024-12-03
- Call 999 or Go to Ae
- Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if you: have sciatica on both sides have weakness or numbness in both legs that's severe or getting worse have numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom (anus) find it hard to start peeing, cannot pee or cannot control when you pee – and this is not normal for you do not notice when you need to poo or cannot control when you poo – and this is not normal for you These could be symptoms of a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
About NHS
NHS data from nhs.uk: condition, medicine and nearby services.
Built by Fous from nhs.uk, www.nhs.uk and postcodes.io and checked automatically; it last passed a check on Sep 29, 2026. Fous is not affiliated with NHS.
Actions
Get condition
1 credit per runGet NHS guidance for a named health condition, including symptoms, when to seek help, causes, treatment and prevention. Sections not shown on NHS pages are null. For conditions with several guidance pages, the review date is the latest among the pages used.
Uses www.nhs.uk.
What you provide
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Conditioncondition | Text | Required | The health condition in plain words, for example chickenpox.Example: Sciatica |
What you get
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Causescauses | Text | Causes or how it spreads.Example: Causes of sciatica Sciatica happens when something presses or rubs on the… |
Overviewoverview | Text | Overview of the condition.Example: Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to… |
See A Gpsee_a_gp | Text | Non-urgent guidance on when to see a GP.Example: Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have sciatica and the pain: has not… |
Symptomssymptoms | Text | Symptoms described by the NHS. |
Page Linkpage_link | Text | Link to the NHS condition page.Example: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/ |
Treatmenttreatment | Text | Treatment and self-care guidance. |
Preventionprevention | Text | Prevention and reducing risk.Example: How to stop sciatica coming back If you have sciatica, or have had it in the… |
Call Nhs 111call_nhs_111 | Text | Urgent guidance on when to get help from NHS 111.Example: Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if… |
Condition Namecondition_name | Text | Name of the condition on the NHS page.Example: Sciatica |
Page Last Reviewedpage_last_reviewed | Text | Date the guidance was last reviewed, in YYYY-MM-DD.Example: 2024-12-03 |
Call 999 or Go to Aecall_999_or_go_to_ae | Text | Emergency guidance on when to call 999 or go to A&E.Example: Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if: you or your child are… |
Example result
For Condition: Sciatica
{
"causes": "Causes of sciatica\nSciatica happens when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve.\nCauses include:\na slipped disc, when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out – this…",
"overview": "Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months but can last longer.",
"see_a_gp": "Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:\nYou have sciatica and the pain:\nhas not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks\nis getting worse\nis stopping you doing your normal activities\nRefer yourse…",
"symptoms": "Symptoms of sciatica\nThe symptoms of sciatica usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg, often including your foot and toes.\nYou may feel:\na sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg\ntingl…",
"page_link": "https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/",
"treatment": "How you can ease sciatica pain yourself\nSciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but it can sometimes last longer. It can also return if you've had it before.\nTo help relieve your …",
"prevention": "How to stop sciatica coming back\nIf you have sciatica, or have had it in the past, there's a chance you could get it again. But there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of this happening…",
"call_nhs_111": null,
"condition_name": "Sciatica",
"page_last_reviewed": "2024-12-03",
"call_999_or_go_to_ae": "Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if you:\nhave sciatica on both sides\nhave weakness or numbness in both legs that's severe or getting worse\nhave numbness around or under your genitals, …"
}Get medicine
1 credit per runGet NHS medicine guidance by name, including uses, dosing, side effects, pregnancy and interactions. Sections absent from NHS guidance are null; a plain name with separate adult and child pages selects the adult page.
Uses www.nhs.uk.
What you provide
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Medicinemedicine | Text | Required | Name of the medicine, such as sertraline or ibuprofen.Example: Sertraline |
What you get
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Key Factskey_facts | Text | Key facts. |
Page Linkpage_link | Text | NHS medicine page link.Example: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/ |
Brand Namesbrand_names | Text | Brand names.Example: Lustral |
Medicine Namemedicine_name | Text | Name used on the NHS medicine page.Example: Sertraline |
What It Is forwhat_it_is_for | Text | What it is for.Example: Sertraline can be used to treat mental health conditions such as: depression… |
Common Side Effectscommon_side_effects | Text | Common side effects. |
Serious Side Effectsserious_side_effects | Text | Serious side effects. |
How and When to Take Ithow_and_when_to_take_it | Text | How and when to take it. |
Who Can and Cannot Take Itwho_can_and_cannot_take_it | Text | Who can and cannot take it. |
Pregnancy and Breastfeedingpregnancy_and_breastfeeding | Text | Pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
Taking with Other Medicines and Herbal Remediestaking_with_other_medicines_and_herbal_remedies | Text | Taking with other medicines and herbal remedies. |
Example result
For Medicine: Sertraline
{
"key_facts": null,
"page_link": "https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/",
"brand_names": "Lustral",
"medicine_name": "Sertraline",
"what_it_is_for": "Sertraline can be used to treat mental health conditions such as:\ndepression\nobsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)\npanic disorder\npost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)\nsocial anxiety disorder\nIt's a typ…",
"common_side_effects": "Common side effects of sertraline include:\nheadaches\nfeeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)\ndizziness or drowsiness\ndry mouth\ndiarrhoea\nproblems sleeping\nsexual problems, such as low sex driv…",
"serious_side_effects": "Sertraline can sometimes cause more serious side effects, although most of them are rare.\nPossible serious side effects of sertraline include:\nan allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms suc…",
"how_and_when_to_take_it": "Sertraline usually comes as tablets that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you're taking it.\nAlways check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or d…",
"who_can_and_cannot_take_it": "Most adults can take sertraline.\nChildren aged 6 to 17 can take it for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It's also sometimes used to treat severe depression in children aged 12 to 17.\nSertraline is…",
"pregnancy_and_breastfeeding": "Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.\nSertraline can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.\nYou'll usually …",
"taking_with_other_medicines_and_herbal_remedies": "There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sertraline.\nThis includes some types of:\nanticoagulants, such as warfarin and apixaban\nnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory dru…"
}Search nearby services
1 credit per runFind nearby NHS service listings from a UK postcode or town, nearest first. NHS service search covers England; urgent_care returns A&E listings. Hours, patient availability and websites are null when not shown.
Uses postcodes.io and www.nhs.uk.
What you provide
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Serviceservice | Text | Required | Service to find, for example pharmacy.Example: Pharmacy |
Locationlocation | Text | Required | UK postcode or town, for example SW1A 1AA or Leeds.Example: SW1A 1AA |
Max Resultsmax_results | Number | Optional | Maximum listings to return, for example 10 (up to 50).Example: 3 |
What you get
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Servicesservices | List | |
Nameservices[].name | Text | Example: Boots |
Phoneservices[].phone | Text | Example: 020 7828 6013 |
Addressservices[].address | Text | Example: 5 CATHEDRAL WALK, VICTORIA, LONDON, SW1E 5JH |
Websiteservices[].website | Text | Example: https://www.boots.com/ |
Postcodeservices[].postcode | Text | Example: SW1E 5JH |
Nhs Page Linkservices[].nhs_page_link | Text | Example: https://www.nhs.uk/services/pharmacy/boots/XFHV67 |
Distance (miles)services[].distance_miles | Number | Example: 0.3 |
Opening Hours Todayservices[].opening_hours_today | Text | Example: 7:30am to 8pm |
Accepting New Patientsservices[].accepting_new_patients | Yes or no | Example: Yes |
Example result
For Service: Pharmacy, Location: SW1A 1AA, Max Results: 3
{
"services": [
{
"name": "Boots",
"phone": "020 7828 6013",
"address": "5 CATHEDRAL WALK, VICTORIA, LONDON, SW1E 5JH",
"website": "https://www.boots.com/",
"postcode": "SW1E 5JH",
"nhs_page_link": "https://www.nhs.uk/services/pharmacy/boots/XFHV67",
"distance_miles": 0.3,
"opening_hours_today": "7:30am to 8pm",
"accepting_new_patients": null
},
{
"name": "Boots",
"phone": "020 7834 5792",
"address": "107 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, SW1E 6RA",
"website": "https://www.boots.com/",
"postcode": "SW1E 6RA",
"nhs_page_link": "https://www.nhs.uk/services/pharmacy/boots/XFQT75",
"distance_miles": 0.3,
"opening_hours_today": "8am to 7pm",
"accepting_new_patients": null
},
{
"name": "Dolphins Pharmacy",
"phone": "020 7222 1828",
"address": "9-11 THE BROADWAY, LONDON, SW1H 0AZ",
"website": null,
"postcode": "SW1H 0AZ",
"nhs_page_link": "https://www.nhs.uk/services/pharmacy/dolphins-pharmacy/XFKE09",
"distance_miles": 0.4,
"opening_hours_today": "9am to 5:30pm",
"accepting_new_patients": null
}
]
}For developers
Run this workflow from your own code. In Studio, turn on Developer mode and create an API key.
# First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
: "${FOUS_API_KEY:?Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example}"
curl 'https://api.fous.com/v1/query' \
--fail-with-body --silent --show-error --max-time 120 \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $FOUS_API_KEY" \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{
"api": "@nhs",
"visibility": "public",
"operation": "get_condition",
"version": 1,
"input": {
"condition": "sciatica"
},
"response": {
"format": "json"
}
}'Questions
Is Fous affiliated with NHS?
No. Fous is not affiliated with NHS. This workflow reads the public nhs.uk website and returns its data.
How much does it cost?
Each run costs 1 credit. With pay-as-you-go, a credit costs 1¢; monthly plans cost less per credit.
Do I need a NHS account?
No. You only need a Fous account.
How current is the data?
Fous gets the data from nhs.uk when you run it; repeating the same request within a day may return the saved result. Fous checks this workflow automatically; it last passed a check on Sep 29, 2026.