Sciatica
Sciatica describes pain, tingling or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg, caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its roots. While it can be painful and worrying, the large majority of cases improve over time with the right guidance, movement and treatment — most people never need surgery.
Common symptoms
- Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the leg
- Pins and needles, tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that may worsen with sitting, bending or coughing
- Sometimes leg weakness or a feeling of heaviness
Common causes
- A disc-related irritation of a nerve root (common and often settles)
- Age-related narrowing around the nerve
- Muscle and joint irritation referring into the leg
How physiotherapy helps
We assess your back and nerve symptoms to understand what's involved and to check for anything that needs further attention. Treatment focuses on settling the irritation, restoring comfortable movement, and a graded programme to rebuild confidence and strength. We guide your activity so you recover steadily and reduce the chance of recurrence.
General self-care tips
- Keep gently moving and find positions that ease your symptoms
- Avoid prolonged sitting where it aggravates the leg pain
- Pace activity and gradually build back up
- Understand that most sciatica improves over weeks with the right approach
Sciatica — frequently asked questions
Will I need surgery for sciatica?
How long does sciatica take to settle?
When is sciatica an emergency?
Please note: This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for individual assessment or medical advice. Everyone is different — book an assessment so we can tailor advice to you. If you have severe, worsening or concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.
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