Sciatica

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Basic Pain Management

Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back down the leg along the sciatic nerve. It can be intense, but most cases improve steadily with the right physiotherapy.

Talk to me about sciatica

The basics

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It describes pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually felt in the buttock and down the back of the leg, often caused by a nerve being irritated near the spine.

The pain can be sharp or burning and may come with pins and needles. Reassuringly, most sciatica settles over time, and physiotherapy helps calm the nerve and get you moving again.

What to notice

Common symptoms

  • Pain radiating from the buttock down the leg
  • A sharp, shooting, or burning quality to the pain
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
  • Sometimes weakness in the affected leg
Why it happens

Common causes

  • A disc irritating the nerve where it leaves the spine
  • Tight or overloaded muscles pressing on the nerve
  • Narrowing of the space around the nerve with age
  • Prolonged sitting and loaded postures
The treatment

How physiotherapy helps

I focus on settling the nerve, restoring comfortable movement, and rebuilding strength so the pain does not keep returning.

Nerve care

Positions and gentle techniques that reduce irritation and leg symptoms.

Mobility work

Restoring back and hip movement without aggravating the nerve.

Strengthening

Building core, hip, and glute strength to support recovery.

Activity advice

Practical guidance on sitting, walking, and pacing your day.

What to expect

Your recovery journey

Treatment moves through clear stages. I set the pace to suit you, but the path usually looks like this.

01

Assessment

I trace your symptoms and check how sensitive the nerve is.

02

Calm the nerve

Reduce irritation and find comfortable movement early.

03

Restore movement

Graded mobility and nerve gliding as symptoms allow.

04

Strengthen

Build the support that keeps sciatica from returning.

In your sessions

Exercises I may use

  • Gentle nerve gliding within comfort
  • Back and hip mobility that eases symptoms
  • Glute and core strengthening
  • Graded walking to rebuild tolerance

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency care at once if you develop numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, or weakness in both legs. Also see a doctor if one leg becomes rapidly and severely weak.

Good to know

Questions I hear a lot

How long does sciatica take to settle?
Many people improve over a few weeks, though some take longer. A clear, graded plan tends to give the most reliable progress.
Should I rest until the leg pain goes?
Gentle movement is better than rest. I help you find activity that keeps you moving without flaring the nerve.
Will it come back?
It can, but building strength and good movement habits markedly reduces the chance of recurrence.

Let's get you moving again

Book an assessment with me and I'll build a plan around your body, your goals, and your day-to-day life.

Call +91 87997 18841
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment. Everyone is different, so please speak to a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for advice on your own situation.