Sciatica Physiotherapy
Sciatica?
Understand the cause.
Pain that starts in the lower back and travels into the buttock or leg may be related to irritation of the sciatic nerve. We begin with a detailed assessment to understand what may be causing it.
What is it?
Pain may start in the lower back and travel down the leg
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back, passes through the buttock and continues down the leg.
When the nerve or its nerve roots become irritated, symptoms may include pain, burning, numbness or tingling along the leg.
Common signs
How can sciatica affect you?
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and the level of nerve irritation.
Low back pain
Pain that begins in the lower back.
Buttock pain
Pain, discomfort or burning on one side of the buttock.
Pain down the leg
Pain that travels down the thigh, calf or into the foot.
Numbness or tingling
Numbness, pins and needles or tingling in the leg.
Burning sensation
A burning sensation that travels along the path of the nerve.
Leg weakness
Weakness or reduced confidence when walking or bearing weight.
Possible causes
Not every pain that travels down the leg has the same cause
The sciatic nerve or its nerve roots may become irritated by disc-related problems, muscular tension, reduced movement or the way physical load is distributed through the body.
Herniated disc
Disc-related problems in the lower back
Muscle tension or stiffness
Prolonged sitting
Reduced strength of the stabilizing muscles
Physical overload or unsuitable movement
When should you seek help?
Do not ignore pain that is spreading
Pain travels below the knee
You have numbness or tingling in the leg
Pain makes it difficult to walk normally
Symptoms worsen while sitting
Pain keeps returning or is getting worse
You feel weakness in the leg
Sciatica and herniated disc
Is sciatica always related to a herniated disc?
Herniated disc është një shkak i zakonshëm i irritimit të nervit shiatik, por nuk është shkaku i vetëm.
Symptoms may also be related to muscles, mobility, positions during the day or physical overload. This is why assessment is important to understand what may be irritating the nerve.
Learn more about herniated discsTreatment at Treka Fizio
How is sciatica treated?
Treatment is tailored to the possible cause, your symptoms and how the pain is affecting your movement and daily activities.
Assessment
We assess your pain, movement, strength and the area where your symptoms travel.
Manual therapy
We use manual therapy where appropriate to reduce tension and improve mobility in the lower back and pelvis.
Therapeutic exercise
We use controlled exercises to improve strength, stability and symptom management.
Return to activity
We help you gradually return to walking, work and physical activity with greater confidence.
Conservative treatment
Can sciatica be treated without surgery?
In many cases, yes.
When there are no serious neurological signs, physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve movement and function.
If the assessment identifies signs that require medical evaluation, we recommend consultation with the appropriate specialist.
Why Treka Fizio?
Treatment focused on your individual problem
We do not focus only on the pain you feel at the moment. We assess how your body moves and the factors that may be contributing to ongoing nerve irritation.
Learn more about usDetailed assessment
Individual treatment
Manual therapy and exercise
Management of nerve-related symptoms
Advice for everyday activities
First step
Do not wait for pain to limit you further
Book an appointment if the pain is travelling down your leg, is accompanied by numbness or is making it difficult to walk, work, sit or sleep normally.
Book an AppointmentWe assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and where they travel.
Individual treatment me fizioterapistin.
Move with less pain and greater confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about sciatica
Can sciatica improve on its own? +
In some cases symptoms may improve, but if the pain keeps returning, travels down the leg or is accompanied by numbness, it should be assessed.
Should I stay in bed? +
A short period of rest may help during an acute episode, but prolonged inactivity can often make symptoms worse. Controlled movement is usually more helpful.
Is sciatica always caused by a herniated disc? +
Jo. Herniated disc është një shkak i shpeshtë, por nervi mund të irritohet edhe nga muskujt, lëvizshmëria, ngarkesa ose faktorë të tjerë.
Can I exercise? +
Yes, but exercises should be adapted to your symptoms and the stage of your condition. Not every exercise is suitable for every patient.
How many sessions will I need? +
The number of sessions depends on the possible cause, the intensity of your symptoms, how long the problem has been present and how you respond to treatment.