Sciatic nerve pain is a term commonly used to describe pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down into the leg. It can vary from a mild ache to sharp, burning, or shooting pain, and may also be associated with tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms are often worse with sitting, bending, twisting, coughing, or staying in one position for too long. For some people, the leg pain is more noticeable than the back pain itself.
Sciatic nerve pain is usually related to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. This may occur with conditions such as a lumbar disc bulge or disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes in the lower back, or irritation of the nerve as it travels through the buttock or leg. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, a thorough assessment is important to help identify what may be contributing and to rule out other causes of leg pain or nerve symptoms.
Physiotherapy begins with a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, back movement, nerve irritation, strength, reflexes, and general function. This helps determine whether your symptoms are consistent with sciatic nerve irritation and what factors may be aggravating it. Treatment may include advice on posture and activity modification, gentle exercises to improve mobility and strength, and hands-on treatment where appropriate. The aim is to reduce irritation of the nerve, improve movement, and help you return to normal daily activities with less pain and better confidence.
For persistent or recurring problems, a broader approach may help.
