Home › Physical Conditions › Sciatica

Sciatica

Pain, tingling or numbness travelling from the lower back down the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve — which runs from the lower back down each leg — is irritated or compressed, for example by a bulging disc or tight muscles. It usually affects one side.

Sciatica often gets better on its own within 4 to 6 weeks, although it can last longer. Keeping active and doing gentle exercises usually helps.

Common signs

  • Pain running from the buttock down the back of the leg
  • Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
  • Weakness in the leg or foot
  • Pain that is worse when sitting, coughing or sneezing
  • Lower back pain alongside leg symptoms

How can therapists help?

Physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors can assess the cause and use treatment and targeted exercises to ease pressure on the nerve and improve mobility. Massage and soft tissue therapy can relax tight muscles in the lower back and buttock (such as the piriformis) that may be contributing.

Physiotherapists Osteopaths Chiropractors Soft tissue therapy Remedial massage
Find a therapist near you who treats sciatica
Choose a type of therapist and enter your postcode to see verified therapists in your area.
Or browse all physiotherapists.

Related articles

Physical Therapies
Chiropractic vs Osteopathy: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Both chiropractors and osteopaths treat back and joint pain, but their training and techniques differ. Here's how to work out which one is right for you.
Holistic & Wellness
Acupuncture Explained: How It Works and What Conditions It Can Help
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of holistic treatment still in widespread use today. Here is what actually happens during a session and what the evidence says it can help with.
Holistic & Wellness
Reflexology Explained: How Your Feet Connect to Your Health
Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet correspond to organs and systems throughout the body. But does the science support it?
Body Treatments
Cupping Therapy: Ancient Practice, Modern Benefits
Made famous by Olympic athletes, cupping therapy has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Learn how this treatment works and what the evidence says.
This page is for general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If your pain is severe, came on after a serious injury, is getting worse, or comes with symptoms such as numbness, weakness, fever or loss of bladder or bowel control, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 — or 999 in an emergency.

Other physical conditions

Back Pain Neck & Shoulder Pain Migraines & Headaches Arthritis & Joint Pain Fibromyalgia Sports Injuries Knee Pain Hip Pain Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Pain Tennis & Golfer's Elbow RSI & Carpal Tunnel Frozen Shoulder Whiplash Jaw Pain (TMJ) Muscle Tension & Stiffness Posture Problems