Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to pain and other symptoms along its path. Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the lower spine or surrounding tissues.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by something pressing on or irritating the sciatic nerve. Common causes include:

A herniated or slipped disc in the lower back
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Piriformis syndrome (where the piriformis muscle compresses the nerve)
Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips over another)
Muscle tightness or inflammation in the lower back or hips
Long periods of sitting, poor posture, or a sedentary lifestyle

What does sciatica feel like?

People with sciatica often describe the discomfort as:

Shooting or burning pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg
Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve pathway
A feeling of weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that may worsen when sitting, coughing, bending, or lifting
It can range from mild to severe and may be constant or come and go with certain movements.

How can physio help?

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. It works by:

Reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve
Improving mobility and flexibility in the spine and hips
Strengthening muscles that support the back and pelvis
Correcting posture and movement patterns that may be contributing to the problem
Helping you feel more confident and in control of your body

What treatment will Village Physio do?

At Village Physio, we provide home-based, personalised physiotherapy designed around your individual needs and goals. For sciatica, we may use:

Manual therapy to ease tight muscles and joints
Core and glute strengthening exercises
Neural mobilisation to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve
Posture and movement retraining to reduce recurrence
Education and advice to help you manage symptoms and recover confidently

What can I do to reduce my discomfort whilst I wait for an appointment?

Avoid long periods of sitting or slouching
Try gentle movement, such as walking or light stretching if comfortable
Use a hot or cold pack on your lower back (not directly on the skin)
Sleep with good support: a pillow under your knees (on your back) or between them (on your side)
Take pain relief if needed, as advised by your GP
Keep moving little and often—complete rest may slow down recovery