01What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots in the lower back that form it. The pain typically travels from the buttock down the back of the thigh and may extend below the knee into the foot.
The most common cause is a disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve root. Other causes include narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), particularly in older adults.
02Common symptoms
- Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down one leg
- Leg pain that is often worse than the back pain
- Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain worse with sitting, coughing or sneezing
03Possible causes and risk factors
- Lumbar disc herniation or bulge
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slipping on another)
- Less commonly, other conditions that require medical investigation
04How a physiotherapy assessment helps
Your assessment with Dr. Pankaj B. LokhandeBPTh, MPTh (Ortho & Sports), PhD Scholar (MUHS)
We take a careful history and perform a neurological examination – checking sensation, reflexes, muscle strength and nerve sensitivity tests. This helps us understand which nerve root may be involved and whether there are warning signs.
If you have significant or worsening weakness, we will refer you promptly for medical review.
05Rehabilitation approaches we may use
Education and reassurance
Understanding how nerve pain behaves and why it can fluctuate.
Symptom-guided movement
Finding positions and movements that ease leg pain.
Nerve mobility exercises
Gentle techniques that may reduce nerve sensitivity.
Progressive strengthening
Rebuilding trunk and leg strength as symptoms allow.
Activity and sitting advice
Managing work, travel and sleep.
Liaison with your doctor
Working alongside medical care for medication or further investigation when needed.
Your plan is chosen after assessment. Not every approach listed here is suitable for every person.
06Who may benefit
- People with leg pain from disc-related nerve irritation
- Older adults with symptoms of spinal stenosis
- Patients advised conservative care before considering surgery
- People after spinal surgery (with surgeon guidance)
07Safety precautions
- Report any increase in numbness or weakness straight away.
- Avoid prolonged sitting during flare-ups; take short walking breaks.
- Medication is prescribed only by your doctor.
08When to see a doctor first
- Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
- Difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sciatica in both legs, or rapidly worsening weakness or foot drop
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
09Frequently asked questions
Will my sciatica go away on its own?
Many people improve over weeks to months. Physiotherapy can help you manage symptoms and stay active during recovery.
Is bed rest good for sciatica?
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended. Short rests and gentle activity within comfort are usually better.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be considered for severe or progressive nerve problems or when symptoms do not improve with non-surgical care. This decision is made with a spine surgeon.
Is all leg pain sciatica?
No. Hip joint problems, muscle injuries and circulation problems can also cause leg pain. A proper assessment helps identify the cause.
FURTHER READING
This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an individual assessment. Recovery varies from person to person. See our medical disclaimer.
