Back & Spine
Sciatica
Pain travelling down the leg from an irritated nerve root in the lower back.
About this condition
Sciatica describes symptoms — leg pain, tingling or weakness following the path of the sciatic nerve — rather than a diagnosis in itself.
Most cases settle with time and the right movement strategy. Physiotherapy identifies positions that centralise symptoms, restores movement, and rebuilds tolerance.
Common symptoms
- Pain radiating from the back into the buttock and leg
- Burning
- tingling or pins and needles
- Symptoms often worse with sitting
- Occasional weakness in the leg or foot
- Relief in specific positions
Frequent contributors
- Disc-related nerve root irritation
- Degenerative narrowing in the spine
- Prolonged sitting and reduced activity
- Sudden loading of the spine
How physiotherapy typically helps
Positions and movements that reduce leg symptoms
Nerve mobility techniques
Graded return to walking and activity
Core and hip strengthening as symptoms allow
Red-flag screening at every visit
This page is general information. Information on this website is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
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Book an assessment and we will tell you honestly what is going on, what will help, and roughly how long it should take.