Sciatica: Understanding the Pain That Runs Down Your Leg

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.

Common Symptoms

• Pain that radiates from your lower back to your buttock and down the back of your leg

• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg

• Pain that worsens with sitting or standing for long periods

• Sharp, burning sensation or shooting pain

• Difficulty moving the leg or foot

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve. Common causes include:

• Herniated or slipped disc (most common cause)

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

• Piriformis syndrome (muscle tightness in the buttock)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slipping forward)

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapy is highly effective for treating sciatica. Your treatment may include:

• Manual therapy to reduce nerve compression

• Specific exercises to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve

• Core strengthening to support the spine

• Postural education and movement strategies

• Home exercise programme for ongoing relief