Objective To investigate the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (igf-1) in serum in patients with chronic sciatic nerve pain and its clinical significance. Methods The expression of IGF-1 was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 21 patients with chronic sciatic nerve pain and 21 healthy people of physical check-up. The experiment evaluated the pain degree of everyone by VAS. Results The pain degree in the group of chronic sciatic nerve pain (4.95±1.07) significantly increased compared to health check group (P < 0.05). The expression level of IGF-1 in the group of chronic sciatic nerve pain apparently higher than in health check group(P < 0.05). Conclusions The expression level of IGF-1 increased in serum may be associated with the development of chronic sciatic pain.