How effective is physiotherapy for sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain or altered sensation travelling from the lower back into the buttock and leg when a nerve root is irritated. A physiotherapist assesses your back, hip, leg strength, walking pattern and movements that increase or reduce symptoms. Treatment may include gently repeated movements, mobility work, strengthening for the trunk and hips, and advice on lifting, sitting and pacing. The aim is to improve function while the irritated tissues settle, rather than forcefully stretch a painful nerve. A home programme matters because steady practice helps carry improvements into work, sleep and ordinary movement.

Arrange an assessment if leg pain, tingling or weakness is limiting normal activity. Follow the agreed exercises at the recommended intensity and tell the therapist if a movement causes spreading pain, new numbness or worsening weakness. Keep gently active within your limits; prolonged bed rest can make movement harder. Change positions regularly, use lifting techniques shown in therapy and build walking gradually. Your plan may need adjustment if the symptoms are driven by a disc problem, spinal narrowing or another cause. Physiotherapy is one part of care, and a clinician may discuss pain relief or further assessment when progress is limited.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or severe or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs. Prompt assessment is also appropriate after major injury, or when pain comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of serious illness. These features need medical evaluation rather than an exercise-only approach. Contact your clinician if symptoms steadily worsen or do not begin to improve with the agreed plan.

Ask which movements are suitable for your pattern of symptoms, what level of discomfort is acceptable during exercise, and how to modify work, driving or sleep positions. You can also ask when weakness or numbness should trigger review, whether imaging is needed, and how progress will be measured.