What is Sciatica?
What you need to know about Sciatica
Sciatica describes pain that runs along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs along your lower back, down through the gluteus and into the lower leg. It is also the longest nerve in the body. Sciatica is most common in adults aged 30-50.
What Are the Symptoms?
-
Pain that begins in the lower back and spreads through the buttocks, and lower leg
-
Pain is often described as dull, and aching or is described as burning, sharp, shooting pain
-
Tingling and numbness is often common in the leg
-
Muscle weakness in the affected leg
-
Most common in adults 30-50
-
Pain is often worse during coughing or sneezing, due to an increase in abdominal pressure

The sciatic nerve runs from the low back all the way to the foot. Pain from sciatica can occur in any of the purple regions.
What is the cause?
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of circumstances that put pressure on the sciatic nerve, some of the more common causes are listed below:
-
spine degeneration (usually more common in older individuals)
-
Bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar spine
-
Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the Piriformis muscle that compresses the sciatic nerve)
-
Any traumatic injury that places pressure on lumbar spine and could pinch the sciatic nerve
-
Inflammation from arthritis, sprains, joint slippage or infection
-
Poor posture
How to Diagnose Sciatica?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above you should see a physiotherapist to diagnose and treat your sciatica symptoms, and help prevent sciatica in the future.
A physiotherapist will complete a full orthopaedic and neurological examination. Your physiotherapist will also take a medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. An MRI, CT or X – ray can be used to help diagnose sciatica, but is often not needed. If your physiotherapist determines that you have sciatica, they will begin further investigating the root cause of sciatica.
How is it Treated?
It is important to have a physiotherapist treat sciatica, to help reduce pain and strengthen the appropriate muscles to help you return to normal activities pain free. The method of treatment will be different for each individual depending on the cause of the sciatica.
-
Heat and Ice is often used to manage sciatica symptoms
-
Education on sciatica management
-
Range of motion and stability exercises
-
Stretching program
-
Manual therapy
Corticosteroid injections have not been proven as an effective treatment for sciatica. Additionally, studies show that people who rest, do not have any faster recovery than people who continue moving and exercise supervised by a physiotherapist. It is important to continue moving in a safe way, under the supervision of a physiotherapist to help reduce pain and prevent the weakening of the affected leg. Have any questions? Click the button below.
Anatomy
Importance of Scapular (Shoulder) Stability
How to fix shoulder pain?Why scapular stability is important Your shoulder joint does not act in isolation to create movement in your arm. The...
The Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
What can I do for tennis and golfer's elbow?With tennis and golf season underway, many athletes often suffer from these two common overuse injuries....
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? (Causes and Symptoms)
How do you get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal Tunnel is a very common injury to the hand. It causes significant pain and discomfort in the hand and...
What is a Shoulder Impingement?
How do you know if you have shoulder impingement? Shoulder impingements is a frequently diagnosed shoulder conditions. A shoulder impingement is a...
What is your Core?
What is considered your core? Your “core” generally refers to muscles in and around your torso that help move, support, and stabilize your spine,...
What is the gluteus medius (and why it’s Important for Runners)
What is the Gluteus Medius Muscle? Your gluteus medius is one of your three major gluteus muscles. The gluteus medius is located on the side of your...