Lower Back & Spine
Sciatica (pain running down the leg)
Medical name: Sciatica
A symptom rather than a diagnosis: irritation of the sciatic nerve causing pain along its path down the leg.
Talking to a physio on WhatsApp or by phone is free. Prefer a form? Book online
Go to a hospital today if you have:
- Numbness between the legs or around the back passage
- New trouble passing urine, or controlling your bladder or bowels
- Weakness in both legs, or a foot that keeps getting weaker
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or after a bad fall
These need urgent medical care before physiotherapy.
Typical signs
- Sharp or burning pain down the back of the leg
- Pins and needles in the calf or foot
- Worse with coughing or sneezing
How physiotherapy helps
Identifying and offloading the source, nerve mobility work, and graded loading to restore normal movement.
This page can't diagnose you. A physio can tell you what's causing your pain, so message or call us if you're unsure.
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