Sciatica Explained: How Physiotherapy Provides Relief



Sciatica is one of the most common—and painful—conditions affecting the lower back and legs. Often misunderstood, sciatica is not a diagnosis itself but rather a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. Whether it is a sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache radiating from your lower back down to your legs, sciatica can interfere with your work, sleep, and daily life. The good news? Urban Sports & Rehab offers safe, non-invasive relief that addresses both symptoms and root causes.
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What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It usually affects only one side of the body.
Common Causes Include:
 

• Herniated or slipped discs (most common)
  • A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes out through a tear in the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). If the protrusion presses on a nearby nerve root—particularly in the lumbar spine—it can irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It is typically caused by age-related changes, such as thickened ligaments, bone spurs, or disc degeneration.
• Degenerative disc disease
  • As we age, spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, which reduces their ability to absorb shock. This degeneration can lead to reduced disc height and minor bulges or tears that affect nerve roots.
• Piriformis syndrome (tight piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve)
  • This occurs when the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, becomes tight or spasms, pressing directly on the sciatic nerve, which runs underneath (or sometimes through) it.
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slipping out of place)
  • Spondylolisthesis refers to a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, usually due to a stress fracture, arthritis, or congenital defect.
• Prolonged poor posture or sitting
  • Extended periods of sitting with poor posture, especially in a slouched or flexed position, can strain the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles. Over time, this pressure can irritate spinal discs, compress nerve roots, or tighten the piriformis muscle.

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Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the nerve compression, but typical signs include:

• Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
  • This pain may feel like a sudden, stabbing jolt or a persistent, burning sensation. It often starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh, sometimes reaching the calf or foot.
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
  • A buzzing, electric, or prickly feeling—like when your leg "falls asleep"—commonly felt in the thigh, calf, or foot.
• Numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot
  • You might feel like your leg is heavy, weak, or unresponsive. Some people notice that they’re dragging their foot or have trouble lifting it (known as foot drop).
• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
  • Sciatica often intensifies when you are sitting for extended periods or during actions that increase spinal pressure—like coughing, sneezing, or bending forward.
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
  • You might feel unstable, fatigued in one leg, or have trouble maintaining posture without discomfort. Pain may force you to stop frequently or lean to one side for relief.

How Physiotherapy Provides Relief from Sciatica
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing pain, improving mobility, and preventing recurrence. Here is how a Urban Sports & Rehab can help:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed history and physical examination to pinpoint the cause of your sciatica. This includes posture analysis, range of motion testing, and neurological checks to determine how the nerve is affected.
Why this matters: Without identifying the true cause, treating sciatica is like treating a symptom without knowing the disease.

2. Pain Management Techniques
To relieve acute discomfort, your physiotherapist may use:

• Manual therapy: Gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue release

- Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that physiotherapists use to manipulate or mobilize the joints, muscles, and soft tissues.

• Heat or cold therapy: To reduce inflammation and muscle spasms
  • Thermal therapies use either heat or cold depending on the stage and type of pain.

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• Electrotherapy (e.g., TENS): To interrupt pain signals
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to interrupt pain signals sent to the brain.

Benefit: Non-drug-based, immediate pain relief that avoids the side effects of medications.

3. Targeted Exercise Programs
Specific exercises are prescribed to:

• Stretch tight muscles (e.g., hamstrings, piriformis)
• Strengthen the core and back muscles
• Correct postural imbalances

4. Postural Education and Ergonomics
Many sciatica cases are made worse by prolonged sitting, poor posture, or incorrect lifting. Urban Sports & Rehab will coach you on:

• Proper sitting and standing posture
• Safe lifting techniques
• Ergonomic workstation setup

Why it matters: Small daily changes can significantly reduce strain on the lower back and sciatic nerve.

5. Long-Term Prevention
Once your pain is under control, the next goal is to keep it from coming back. Your physiotherapist will design a maintenance program that includes:

• Core stabilization
  • Your core is more than just your abs. It includes deep stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and multifidus. These muscles support spinal alignment and reduce the mechanical stress placed on the lower back.
• Mobility routines
  • Restricted mobility in the hips, lower back, and hamstrings can place excess tension on the sciatic nerve. Balanced flexibility and joint mobility are essential for pain-free movement.
• Activity modifications for your lifestyle or sport
  • Everyone has different postural and movement demands. Whether you are sitting at a desk all day, lifting heavy loads, or training for a sport, small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing recurrence.

Conclusion
Sciatica can be frustrating and even debilitating—but it does not have to control your life. With the help of a qualified physiotherapist, you can get lasting relief without relying on medication or surgery. Urban Sports & Rehab does not just treat the symptoms; it gets to the root of the problem and empowers you with the tools for long-term healing.





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