13/07/2025
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks down each leg. It typically affects one side of the body.
Causes of Sciatica:
β’ Herniated disc (most common)
β’ Spinal stenosis
β’ Degenerative disc disease
β’ Spondylolisthesis
β’ Piriformis syndrome
β’ Trauma or injury
β’ Pregnancy-related changes
Symptoms:
β’ Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttock, and leg
β’ Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot
β’ Pain worsens with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
β’ Burning or electric-shock-like pain
Physiotherapy Treatment for Sciatica:
1. Pain Relief Techniques:
β’ Hot or cold packs
β’ TENS therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
β’ Ultrasound therapy
2. Stretching Exercises:
β’ Piriformis stretch
β’ Hamstring stretch
β’ Knee-to-chest stretch
3. Strengthening Exercises:
β’ Core strengthening
β’ Pelvic tilts
β’ Glute bridges
4. Postural Training:
β’ Correcting posture while sitting, standing, and lifting
β’ Ergonomic advice for work and daily activities
5. Manual Therapy:
β’ Soft tissue mobilization
β’ Joint mobilization for lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint
6. Neural Mobilization:
β’ Sciatic nerve glides to reduce neural tension
