This guide provides general education and does not diagnose a condition or replace individual medical or physiotherapy assessment.
What people mean by sciatica
Sciatica describes pain related to irritation of a nerve root in the lower back. Symptoms may travel through the buttock and down the leg and can include tingling, numbness or weakness. Not every pain felt in the leg is sciatica; joints and muscles can also refer pain away from the back.
What an assessment looks for
- The path and behaviour of the symptoms
- Changes in strength, sensation or reflexes
- Movements that ease or aggravate the pain
- Walking, sitting, work and sleep tolerance
- Features that may require medical investigation
Does sciatica always need a scan?
Imaging is not automatically required for every episode of back and leg pain. A targeted history and examination can often guide early management. A scan may be considered when symptoms are severe or progressive, serious pathology is suspected, or the result is likely to change management.
How physiotherapy may help
Early care may include advice about positions and activity, comfortable movement and a plan to maintain normal daily function. Rehabilitation can progress towards strength, lifting, walking, work and exercise according to the person’s symptoms and goals.
Urgent warning signs
Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening leg weakness, symptoms in both legs with major neurological change, or severe pain associated with significant trauma, fever or serious illness.
Official links
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Raby & Gledswood Hills