Sciatica Treatment in Corsham
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the lower back or buttock down into the leg. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may affect one or both legs.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
You may experience:
- Pain travelling from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Burning or shooting pain
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain when sitting, bending or coughing
Not every patient experiences the same symptoms, which is why a thorough assessment is important.
What causes Sciatica?
Many people assume sciatica is simply a trapped nerve, but there are several possible causes.
Common causes include:
- Disc problems in the lower back
- Spinal arthritis (facet joint changes)
- Spinal stenosis
- Irritation around the sciatic nerve in the buttock
- Muscle-related causes such as piriformis syndrome
- Hip and pelvic problems that can mimic sciatica
Because the treatment approach differs depending on the underlying cause, identifying the source of the problem is often the most important part of recovery.
How we assess Sciatica
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we aim to establish:
- Where the irritation is coming from
- Whether symptoms are coming from the spine, hip or surrounding muscles
- Whether there are any signs that further investigations may be needed
- Which activities are helping or aggravating your condition
This allows us to create an individual treatment plan rather than applying a generic approach.
Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It can arise from disc problems, spinal arthritis, stenosis, hip conditions or irritation around the sciatic nerve itself. Identifying the source of your symptoms is key to choosing the most effective treatment, but treatment may include:
- Hands-on physiotherapy
- Spinal mobilisation techniques
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy
- Advice on posture and activity modification
- Nerve mobility exercises
- Core strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
- Addressing movement patterns and biomechanics
Where appropriate, we can also advise whether further investigations or referral for medical management may be beneficial.
How long does Sciatica take to improve?
Recovery times vary considerably depending on the cause and severity of symptoms.
Some people improve within a few weeks, while others with more complex conditions may require a longer rehabilitation period.
The earlier appropriate treatment begins, the better the opportunity to prevent symptoms becoming persistent.
When should you seek help?
You are more than welcome to book in with any level of sciatica or irritation but it is recommended to seek assessment if:
- Pain is travelling below the knee
- Symptoms are not improving
- You are experiencing weakness
- Sciatica is affecting work, sleep or daily activities
- Symptoms keep returning
Sciatica often arises from structures within the lower back. You may also wish to read our Back Problems page.
Why Choose Corsham Physiotherapy?
- Experienced physiotherapists
- Individual assessment and diagnosis
- Wide range of treatment options
- Focus on identifying and treating the underlying cause
- Exercise-based rehabilitation to help prevent recurrence
Can Pilates Help Sciatica?
Once symptoms have settled, Pilates-based exercises may help improve core strength, posture and movement control. Our physiotherapists can advise whether our expert Pilates instruction may be appropriate as part of your rehabilitation. Read about Pilates by clicking here.
Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and find the most appropriate treatment for your sciatica. Click here for our contact details.