What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It is typically caused by a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Symptoms include lower back pain, sharp burning pain radiating down one leg, numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, weakness in the affected leg, and in severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control (requiring immediate medical attention).
How Physiotherapy Treats Sciatica
Neural Mobilisation
Gentle nerve gliding exercises reduce neural tension and adhesions, restoring normal nerve movement and reducing pain.
Lumbar Stabilisation
Strengthening the deep core muscles that support the lumbar spine reduces compression on the disc or nerve root.
McKenzie Method
Directional preference exercises that centralise the pain — moving it from the leg back towards the spine — are highly effective for disc-related sciatica.
Manual Therapy
Spinal mobilisation and soft tissue techniques reduce joint restriction and muscle guarding around the affected segment.
Red Flags to Watch For
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sciatica following trauma. These may indicate a serious spinal emergency.