🔍 What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease itself—it’s a symptom caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It typically causes pain that radiates from the lower back down to the buttock and leg.
📍 Common Causes
- Lumbar Disc Herniation (most common)
- Spinal Stenosis
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Trauma or injury
⚠️ Symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain from back → buttock → leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness in leg
- Pain worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
🧠 Mechanism (Simple Understanding)
Compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve roots (L4–S3) leads to radiating pain along its pathway.
🏥 Physical Therapy Management
🎯 Goals
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve mobility and flexibility
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Prevent recurrence
🧘♂️ 1. Pain Relief Techniques
- Hot/cold therapy
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Ultrasound therapy
🤸♀️ 2. Therapeutic Exercises
Common Exercises:
- Knee-to-chest stretch
- Piriformis stretch
- Hamstring stretch
- Pelvic tilts
👉 These help relieve nerve pressure and improve flexibility.
🏋️♂️ 3. Strengthening Exercises
- Core strengthening (abdominals, back muscles)
- Glute strengthening
- Lumbar stabilization exercises
🧍 4. Posture Correction & Ergonomics
- Maintain neutral spine posture
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Use lumbar support
- Proper lifting techniques
👐 5. Manual Therapy
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Myofascial release
🚶♂️ 6. Activity Modification
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Stay active (bed rest is NOT recommended)
- Gradual return to normal activities
⏳ Recovery Time
- Most patients improve within 4–6 weeks with proper therapy
- Chronic cases may take longer
🚨 When to Refer Immediately
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Severe weakness in legs
- Progressive neurological deficits
👉 Possible sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome