Comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap to recovery.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and is often caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compressing part of the nerve.
| Common Symptoms | Red Flag Symptoms (See Doctor Immediately) |
|---|---|
| Pain radiating from lower spine to buttock and down the leg | Sudden, severe pain in lower back or leg with numbness or muscle weakness in the same leg |
| Pain that worsens when sitting | Difficulty controlling bowels or bladder (cauda equina syndrome) |
| Tingling or 'pins and needles' feeling down the leg | Pain that follows a violent injury, such as a traffic accident |
"Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. To effectively treat it, we must locate the exact point of nerve compression—whether it's at the lumbar spine level (disc herniation) or deep in the glutes (piriformis syndrome). By accurately diagnosing the root cause, we can utilize specific directional therapies to centralize the pain and release the nerve tension."
There is no 'instant' cure, but the fastest relief usually comes from identifying the directional preference (often extension) that relieves pressure on the nerve, combined with manual therapy and neural mobilization performed by a physiotherapist.
In many cases, yes. Walking promotes blood flow and can help reduce nerve inflammation. However, if walking significantly worsens the pain radiating down the leg, you should stop and consult a physiotherapist.
Massage can help relieve muscle tension, especially if the sciatica is caused by piriformis syndrome (a tight muscle in the buttocks compressing the nerve). However, it won't fix a structural issue like a herniated disc.