Sciatica refers to radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve from the lower back or buttock to one or both legs. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, typically due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

Sciatica pain can vary in its presentation and intensity, but common sciatica pain symptoms include:

1. Radiating pain: The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of one leg. The pain in the buttocks and lower back may extend all the way to the foot or may be localized to certain areas along the path of the sciatic nerve.

2. Sharp or shooting pain: Sciatica pain is often described as a sharp, shooting, or electric-like sensation. It can be intense and may worsen with movements like coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting or standing.

3. Numbness and tingling: Along with pain, individuals with sciatica may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the buttocks, leg, or foot. This can be accompanied by a feeling of pins and needles.

4. Muscle weakness: In some cases, sciatica can lead to muscle weakness in the affected leg, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform certain movements.

5. Pain on one side of the body: Sciatica pain typically affects only one side of the body, although it is possible for both sides to be affected in rare cases.

Think you may have sciatica? Consult one of our expert physios for a complete diagnosis based on your symptoms.

Sciatica is primarily caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Several conditions and factors can contribute to the development of sciatica, including:

1. Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer layer, pressing against the sciatic nerve roots.

2. Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease: With age, the spinal discs may naturally degenerate, losing their cushioning properties and leading to nerve compression.

4. Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips out of place and compresses the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.

5. Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes tighten or spasm, irritating the sciatic nerve that runs beneath or through it. This particular presentation is very rare.

6. Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or injuries to the spine or buttocks can cause inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

7. Pregnancy: The added weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can exert pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica. However, this is rare.

Additionally, lifestyle factors like poor movement mechanics, training overload beyond capacity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress can also contribute to the development of sciatica. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine what causes sciatica in individual cases.

If you currently feel you might have sciatica, consult a physiotherapist at Pro-Form today. 

At Pro-Form, when you come in with pain or discomfort of any sort, we take utmost care to assess the reason behind the pain and recommend treatment options pertaining to the condition you may be dealing with. 

The best treatment for sciatica usually depends and varies on the underlying sciatica causes and the severity of symptoms. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. 

Nevertheless, here are some common treatments for sciatica:

1. Physiotherapy: A tailored exercise program prescribed by a physiotherapist can help strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate sciatica pain symptoms. Physiotherapy for sciatica may include specific stretches, core exercises, and low-impact aerobic activities.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat therapy can help relax muscles, while cold therapy can numb the area and reduce swelling.

3. Pain Medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be recommended.

4. Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and massage therapy may offer relief for some individuals, though the evidence supporting their effectiveness varies.

5. Epidural Steroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and provide temporary sciatica pain relief.

6. Surgery: Surgery is generally considered a last resort and is reserved for severe cases where conservative treatments have not been effective, or when there is a specific structural problem that requires intervention (e.g., herniated disc pressing on the nerve).

The best treatment for sciatica is typically individualised and may involve a combination of the above methods.

At Pro-Form, we take a holistic approach and work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan custom made to your specific symptoms and circumstances to help alleviate sciatica pain.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of sciatica pain by addressing its underlying causes, promoting healing, and improving overall function. 

When you consult with Pro-Form physiotherapy for sciatica pain, here’s what our approach to treatment may look like:

1. Pain Relief: We believe no one deserves to live with pain. Our team of skilled physios employ various techniques, such as manual therapy, to reduce pain and muscle tension associated with sciatica. Manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization are shown to help alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and promote relaxation of affected muscles.

2. Exercise Prescription: Next, we would work with you to design specific exercise programs to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and correct your posture. These strengthening exercises would target the muscles that support the spine, helping them to stabilize the affected area and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Flexibility exercises will aim to increase the range of motion and reduce muscle tightness that may contribute to nerve compression.

3. Posture and Body Mechanics Education: Poor posture and improper body mechanics can aggravate sciatica pain symptoms. At Pro-Form, in addition to treatment, we take delight in educating all our patients on proper posture techniques during various activities and provide guidance on ergonomics to minimise strain on the back.

4. Functional Rehabilitation: We want to be with you every step of your recovery journey and eventually see you return to activities you love doing without pain. We focus on functional rehabilitation, and guide you through performing specific movements and tasks that mimic real-life situations, thus, helping you restore your strength, flexibility, and confidence.

5. Education and Self-Management: We don’t want to see you relapse and hence we take time to educate you thoroughly about sciatica causes and symptoms. We provide you with guidance on pain management strategies, self-care techniques, and preventive measures to decrease the risk of future flare-ups.

6. Lifestyle Modification: Lastly, if your sciatica is caused by lifestyle factors, we may recommend certain lifestyle modifications, such as adding regular physical activity to your day, maintaining a healthy weight, and implementing ergonomic changes in the workplace or daily routines to help you with long-term management of sciatica.

By combining these approaches, physiotherapy for sciatica aims to reduce pain, improve function, enhance quality of life, and prevent future episodes of the pain. 

For all of our patients, we ensure that sciatica physiotherapy programs are tailored to suit every individual’s specific needs. Chat to one of our team to learn more about how we can help you accelerate your recovery today!