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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. Rather than being a diagnosis itself, sciatica is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that may result from several underlying conditions, including disc injuries, spinal degeneration, spinal stenosis or other causes of nerve irritation. Symptoms may affect one leg and can vary considerably in severity.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms vary between individuals but may include:

✔ Pain travelling from the lower back into the buttock or leg

✔ Tingling or pins and needles

✔ Numbness in the leg or foot

✔ Burning or electric shock-like pain

✔ Weakness in the leg

✔ Pain when sitting for prolonged periods

✔ Pain when bending, lifting or twisting

✔ Difficulty walking or standing comfortably

✔ Reduced mobility and flexibility

✔ Difficulty performing work or daily activities

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica may occur due to a variety of causes, including:

✔ Disc bulges or disc herniations

✔ Disc degeneration

✔ Spinal stenosis

✔ Facet joint changes

✔ Age-related spinal degeneration

✔ Repetitive bending or lifting activities

✔ Workplace injuries

✔ Sporting injuries

✔ Previous back injuries

✔ Nerve irritation or compression within the spine

Because symptoms can arise from several different conditions, an individual assessment is important before deciding on the most appropriate rehabilitation approach.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Your clinician will discuss your symptoms, medical history, work demands, physical activities and rehabilitation goals. The assessment may include spinal movement testing, neurological assessment, strength testing, mobility assessment, functional testing and review of imaging reports where available. The aim is to identify the factors contributing to nerve irritation and determine how your symptoms are affecting your movement and function.

How Physiotherapy May Help

Physiotherapy may assist with reducing the impact of symptoms, improving mobility and restoring function. Treatment may include education, movement modification strategies, hands-on treatment where appropriate, mobility exercises, nerve mobility exercises, strengthening programs and guidance on returning to normal activities. Treatment recommendations are based on your assessment findings and rehabilitation goals.

Related Service: Physiotherapy

How Exercise Physiology May Help

Exercise Physiology may play an important role in helping people recover from sciatica and reduce the likelihood of future episodes. Exercise physiologists develop individualised exercise programs designed to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance and physical function. Programs may include core strengthening, spinal conditioning, functional training and progressive exercise based on your individual presentation and recovery goals.

Related Service: Exercise Physiology

Hydrotherapy for Sciatica

Hydrotherapy may provide a comfortable, low-impact environment for exercise and rehabilitation. The buoyancy of the water reduces the load through the spine and lower limbs, which may make movement more comfortable for some individuals. Hydrotherapy may assist with improving mobility, strength, conditioning and confidence with movement. Hydrotherapy is often used alongside physiotherapy and exercise physiology as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Related Service: Hydrotherapy

Sciatica Rehabilitation Programs

Some individuals with persistent symptoms, recurring episodes or more significant functional limitations may benefit from a structured rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation may focus on improving movement, building strength, increasing activity tolerance, supporting return to work and developing long-term strategies to support spinal health and function.

Related Service: Rehabilitation Programs

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

While many cases of sciatica respond well to rehabilitation, some symptoms require urgent medical assessment. You should seek medical advice if you experience significant weakness in the leg, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin area, severe trauma, rapidly worsening symptoms or symptoms causing significant concern. Your clinician may also recommend further medical assessment where appropriate.

Why Choose Illawarra Rehabilitation Clinic?

✔ Physiotherapy

✔ Exercise Physiology

✔ Hydrotherapy Pool

✔ Rehabilitation Gym

✔ Spinal Rehabilitation Programs

✔ Work Rehabilitation Services

✔ NDIS Services

✔ Individualised Rehabilitation Plans

✔ Convenient Warilla Location

At Illawarra Rehabilitation Clinic, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation from our purpose-built facility in Warilla. Our team works with people recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions and improving their ability to work, exercise and stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sciatica the same as back pain?

No. Sciatica refers to symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which often includes leg symptoms as well as lower back pain.

Can physiotherapy help sciatica?

Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, function and movement while supporting recovery and reducing the impact of symptoms.

Can exercise help sciatica?

Appropriate exercise may improve strength, flexibility and spinal function, which can be important components of rehabilitation.

Is hydrotherapy suitable for sciatica?

Hydrotherapy may provide a comfortable, low-impact environment for some people with sciatica. Suitability is determined following assessment.

Will I need surgery?

Most people with sciatica do not require surgery. Your clinician can help determine whether rehabilitation is appropriate and whether further medical review may be beneficial.