Sciatica is a common condition that can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy daily life. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back and all the way down your legs, becomes irritated or compressed. Symptoms can range from mild tingling to a sharp pain that radiates down one or both legs.
Working with a skilled sciatica physio helps you stay active by relieving your discomfort, improving your strength, and providing strategies to manage flare-ups and prevent future episodes.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatic pain typically occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated. This irritation may be caused by compression from a muscle, involvement of a spinal disc, age-related changes in the spine, or even from sitting in the same position for extended periods. Physio for sciatica helps ease your symptoms, improves your mobility, and supports your long-term recovery—welcome news when the pain feels overwhelming.
How a Sciatica Physio Can Help
The goal of a fully trained sciatica physio is to relieve your pain and address the underlying causes. Treatment may include gentle manual therapies to ease pressure on the nerve, exercises to strengthen your supporting muscles, and advice on posture and movement.
What You Can Do at Home or Work
Alongside physio for sciatica, there are practical steps that can be taken at home to help manage discomfort, but it’s important to seek the right guidance to know which strategies are safe and effective for you. Advice may include taking regular breaks from sitting, adjusting your workstation, and incorporating light activity to reduce pressure on the nerve. With the right plan, gentle stretching or short walks can also support mobility and ease stiffness.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of sciatica improve with time and physiotherapy, but there are situations where medical attention is essential. You should see a doctor if you experience:
- Sudden weakness in your leg or foot.
- Numbness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with treatment.
Taking the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with sciatica can feel discouraging, but the right support can make your recovery far more manageable. With the guidance of a skilled sciatica physio, you can ease your pain, strengthen your body, and prevent future flare-ups with strategies that truly work.