Sciatica: when pain radiates from the back down the leg
Pain that starts in the back and radiates into the buttock, thigh or calf.
“Sciatica” isn’t a diagnosis in itself, but a name describing pain radiating along the sciatic nerve - the longest nerve in the body - and not every pain that radiates into the leg is sciatica.
If you feel pain in your lower back that runs into your buttock, thigh, or even down to your foot, you may have heard the word Sciatica. Many people think it’s a disease. It’s actually just a name for pain that travels along the sciatic nerve - the longest nerve in the body. I hear quite a few people use the word “sciatica” as a final diagnosis, when in fact it only describes where the pain travels.
Not every pain that runs into the leg is sciatica, and not every case of sciatica has the same cause. That’s why a good assessment is the first step toward the right treatment.
How does it usually feel?
It feels different for different people, but many describe:
- Pain that starts in the back and runs into the leg.
- A burning or electric feeling.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Trouble sitting for long.
- Pain that gets worse when coughing or sneezing, in some people.
Notice whether the pain feels better when you stand or walk than when you sit, or the other way around. This is important information that guides the assessment, so it’s worth noticing before your first appointment.
What causes sciatica?
There are several possible causes: load on the nerve, changes in the spine, or conditions like a herniated disc. So don’t jump to conclusions from what you read online - two people describing the same pain can get completely different diagnoses.
How can physiotherapy help?
After a proper assessment, we build a personal treatment plan. It usually includes exercises to improve movement, ways to reduce the load on the area, gradual strengthening, and a safe return to daily activity.
The goal isn’t just less pain. It’s understanding what caused it, and lowering the chance it comes back.
When should you get checked?
If the pain doesn’t pass, runs into the leg, makes walking hard, or isn’t improving, get a professional assessment. If you notice real weakness in the leg, or a change in bladder or bowel control, seek medical care urgently.
Frequently asked questions
No. There are several possible causes, so it’s better to get assessed than to assume it’s always the same one.
In most cases, no. Gentle, adapted movement usually beats long bed rest, which can even slow your recovery.
In many cases, yes - after adjusting the load and doing proper rehab, including a gradual return to sport or physical work.
What’s worth remembering?
Sciatica describes radiating pain - it’s not a diagnosis by itself. The right assessment and treatment can reduce the pain and get you safely back to activity.
- The pain starts in the back and continues into the buttock, thigh or leg, sometimes with burning, numbness or tingling.
- There are several possible causes - load on the nerve, changes in the structure of the spine or a disc herniation - which is why accurate assessment is the first step.
- Whether the pain feels better standing and walking or sitting is important information that guides the direction of the assessment.
Not sure if this is your situation? I’d be happy to give you a professional assessment and build a treatment plan that fits you.
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