An acute sciatica episode usually lasts for 1-3 weeks, but it could last for up to eight weeks. Some people experience intermittent episodes, meaning sciatica comes and repeatedly goes over time. However, sciatica can become chronic, which is unrelenting pain. Chronic sciatica lasts for two months or more and could be a symptom of a spinal condition like a lumbar herniated disc or lumbar degenerative disc disease.