Sciatica

Sciatica

What is it?

Sciatica is pain that runs along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve travels from your low back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It usually happens when something presses on the nerve, like a herniated disc or bone spur.

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What are the symptoms?

Sharp pain

that radiates from the low back to the buttocks and down the leg

Tingling

or a pins and needles feeling in the leg or foot

Weakness

in the affected leg

Numbness

in parts of the leg or foot

How is it diagnosed?

Sciatica is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests.

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Could it be something other than sciatica?

Yes, other conditions can mimic sciatica, like

Piriformis syndrome – a muscle in the buttocks which can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve

Hip problems like arthritis

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)

Infection or tumour in rare cases!

What are my treatment options?

Conservative treatment such as strength and stretching exercises
Massage (releasing the contributing or compensating muscles)
Cortisone injection (ultrasound guided)
Surgical (microdiscectomy, fusion or bone removal)

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Could it be something other than sciatica?

Yes, other conditions can mimic sciatica, like

Rest

don’t overdo activities that cause pain but avoid bed rest

Stretching

stretches may help relieve pressure on the nerve

Ice or heat

to ease discomfort

Pain relief

over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol may help manage the pain

See a healthcare professional

if pain is severe or lasts more than a few weeks, it’s important to get it checked

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

Pain down my leg, is it sciatica?

If you’re feeling pain that starts in your low back or buttock and shoots down your leg, especially past the knee, it could be sciatica. However, its important to get it looked at by a professional as other issues can cause leg pain, like muscle strains or joint problems

Nerve pain in back but not in my leg, is it stiil sciatica?

Sciatica usually causes pain that radiated down the leg. If the pain is only in your back, it might be something else, like a muscle strain or back issue.

How to treat sciatica?

Most of the time sciatica can be managed with rest, over the counter pain relief, gentle stretching, and exercises. If the pain is severe, treatments like steroid injections, manual therapy, or surgery (rare) might be recommended

Will my sciatica come back?

Its possible for sciatica to return, especially if the underlying cause isnt fully healed. However, regular exercises/stretches, good posture, and proper care can reduce the chances of it coming back

Should I see a GP/Physio/Osteo/Chiro for sciatica?

Any of the above are suitable starting points, however:
GP: will not perform any soft tissue massage or provide suitable exercises

How did I get sciatica?

Sciatica often happens when something, like a herniated disc or bone sput, presses on your sciatic nerve. It can also be caused by poor posture, lifting something heavy the wrong way, or even sitting for too long

Sciatica recovery time?

Everyone is different, but mild sciatica usually improves within a few days to weeks. More severe cases may take several weeks to a few months. If it persists beyond that, further investigation may be needed.

How do I prevent sciatica?

To prevent sciatica, focus on:

maintaining good posture when sitting, standing, or lifting
regular exercise, to strengthen your core and back muscles
stretching to keep your low back and hips flexible
avoid prolonged sitting or improper lifting technique

Are there any foods I should avoid with sciatica?

While no specific foods cause or cure sciatica, a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help manage inflammation.
Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar as these can increase inflammation