What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is an umbrella term used to describe pain running down the back of the leg, usually from the buttock down to the foot. This pain is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve or by the nerve roots which contribute to the sciatic nerve in your low back. Along with pain, patients may also have altered sensation or pins and needles, reduced muscle strength or altered reflexes.

Not everyone with Sciatica has low back pain at the same time. Due to the course of the nerve, sometimes the pain does not originate in the back and is only felt down the leg.

What are the causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica is always caused by irritation or compression of the nerve roots which make up the sciatic nerve or the nerve itself.

This can be a result of:

• Disc bulge/herniation, usually at the level of L5. This may impinge the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots at L5.

• Degenerative lumbar spine stenosis - this can be a result of age related changes in the spine which impose on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

• A spondylolisthesis - a slip of one vertebrae on the other which may result in cord compression.

• An irritation of the sciatic nerve as it passes through your piriformis muscle? Probably not…

How can Physiotherapy help Sciatica?

Our Physiotherapists will assess and diagnose the cause of your leg pain. If applicable, we can treat your pain in clinic through mobilisation that can reduce the irritation of the nerve. Next, we will give you advice on how to relieve your leg pain yourself so that you have continued improvements once you leave our practice. This may include positioning or exercises that will lead to reduced pain or other symptoms.

Book online today if you need help with your Sciatica!