What Is Sciatica and How Can It Be Managed?
Sciatica is a common but often misunderstood condition.
Sciatica is a term many people use to describe pain running down the leg, often linked to the lower back. As an Osteopath and rehabilitation specialist, I see many patients who arrive saying, “I’ve got Sciatica.” But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, what can be done about it?
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the Sciatic nerve – the largest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the pelvis, buttocks, and down the back of the leg.
Typical symptoms include:
Pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, or calf
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness
Weakness in the affected leg
It is important to note that Sciatica is not a condition in itself, but a set of symptoms caused by an underlying problem.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can be triggered by several factors, including:
Disc herniation – when a spinal disc bulges and presses on a nerve root
Degenerative changes – such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
Muscle tension – for example, Piriformis Syndrome where the muscle could irritate the nerve
Inactivity or repetitive strain – prolonged sitting, lifting, or twisting may increase risk
How Does Sciatica Affect Daily Life?
Sciatic nerve irritation can range from mild to severe. For some, it causes intermittent discomfort; for others, it may limit walking, sitting, sleeping, and daily activities. Long-term Sciatica can also affect confidence in movement, creating a cycle of pain and reduced activity.
Management and Recovery
The good news is that many cases of Sciatica improve with conservative care. Options include:
Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and manual therapy – to relieve joint stiffness, improve spinal mobility, and reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation
Exercise rehabilitation – targeted exercises to build strength, support the spine, and restore normal movement patterns
Education and reassurance – understanding that symptoms often improve helps reduce fear and anxiety, which can otherwise worsen pain
Medical input – in severe or persistent cases, medication or surgical options may be considered
Research supports exercise-based rehabilitation and manual therapy as effective approaches for managing sciatic symptoms and improving function (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2021).
Conclusion
Sciatica is a common but often misunderstood condition. While it can be painful and disruptive, many people improve with a combination of professional care, targeted exercise, and movement retraining. By addressing both the physical and nervous system aspects of pain, recovery is achievable, and confidence in movement can be restored.
References
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, et al. (2021). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain with radicular pain. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(10), 2236.
Stafford MA, Peng P, Hill DA. (2007). Sciatica: A review of history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and the role of epidural steroid injection in management. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 99(4), 461–473.
