Sciatica Physiotherapy
Sciatica:
symptoms, causes and treatment
Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg may be related to irritation of the sciatic nerve. It can be accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness. Not every pain that travels down the leg has the same cause, so treatment begins by understanding what is driving your symptoms.
What is it?
Pain may start in the lower back and travel down the leg
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is formed by nerve roots in the lower back and continues through the buttock and down the leg.
When these nerve roots become irritated or compressed, symptoms may include pain, burning, numbness, tingling or weakness along the leg. The term “sciatica” describes this group of symptoms rather than one single diagnosis.
Common signs
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
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.
Which side is affected?
Sciatica in the left or right leg
Sciatica can affect the left or right leg and is often more noticeable on one side.
The side of the pain alone does not identify the cause. During assessment, it is more useful to understand where the pain begins, how far it travels, which movements change it and whether it is accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness.
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.
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?
A herniated disc is a common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, but it is not the only possible cause.
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 not determined by the label “sciatica” alone. We first assess the possible cause, your symptoms and how movement changes them.
Assessment
We assess your symptoms, movement, strength and where the symptoms travel, then use these findings to build an individual plan.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy may be used when appropriate to support movement and help manage symptoms.
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.
Duration
How long does sciatica last?
There is no single recovery timeline for everyone. For some people, symptoms may improve within a few weeks, while for others they may last longer or return.
How long symptoms last depends on their cause, how long they have been present, the individual situation and how the person responds to treatment.
If the pain persists, keeps returning or is accompanied by numbness or weakness, it is important to assess the cause rather than simply wait for the symptoms to go away.
Movement and exercise
Can exercise help with sciatica?
Exercise can be an important part of recovery, but not every exercise is appropriate for every person. The right approach depends on your symptoms, their cause and how your body responds to movement.
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 usIndividual 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 with your physiotherapist.
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? +
No. A herniated disc is a common cause, but sciatica can also be associated with other factors. An assessment helps determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
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 long does sciatica last? +
The duration varies from person to person. It depends on the cause, how long the symptoms have been present and how the person responds to treatment.
Can sciatica affect only one leg? +
Yes. Symptoms are often more noticeable on one side and may affect either the left or right leg. The side of the pain alone, however, does not determine the cause.