What is Sciatica?
Understanding Sciatica: Causes and Symptoms
Sciatica is an umbrella term used for pain and symptoms along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down one or both legs. This pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that affects mobility and daily activities, or maybe it’s just a niggling pain that doesn’t limit your day-to-day. Understanding the different causes of sciatica is crucial for effective treatment and long-term relief.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a standalone condition but rather a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the sciatic nerve. The most common causes include:
1. Nerve Root Impingement (Compression)
One of the most frequent causes of sciatica is nerve root compression in the lower spine, typically at the L4, L5, or S1 levels. This compression can be caused by:
Herniated or Bulging Discs – When the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through its outer layer, it can press on the sciatic nerve root. Usually these injuries occur over a long period of time, rather than a specific injury or event.
Spinal Stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerve roots.
Spondylolisthesis – A condition where one vertebra changes it’s position in relation to another, compressing the nerve.
Degenerative Disc Disease – Age-related changes that reduce disc height and create nerve irritation.
*It’s important to know that these issues can often recover and aren’t always a cause of pain.
2. Radicular Pain and Radiculopathy
Radicular pain occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated, leading to sharp, shooting pain along the nerve’s path. This pain is often accompanied by radiculopathy, which refers to additional symptoms such as:
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Muscle weakness in the affected limb
Loss of reflexes in severe cases
Radicular pain and radiculopathy are hallmark signs of nerve compression and are often linked to conditions like herniated discs or joint degenerative changes, including the facet joints, or bone spurring.
3. Somatic Referred Pain
Unlike radicular pain, which follows the path of the nerve, somatic referred pain originates from muscles, joints, or ligaments and is perceived in areas distant from the actual source. This type of pain is typically dull, aching, and more diffuse rather than sharp and shooting. It can sometimes mimic sciatica but does not involve direct nerve compression.
4. Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can infrequently irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica-like symptoms. This condition, known as piriformis syndrome, can be triggered by:
Muscle tightness or spasms
Prolonged sitting or excessive activity
Direct trauma to the gluteal region
While not a true nerve root impingement, piriformis syndrome can produce symptoms similar to sciatica and should be assessed properly.
How to Identify Sciatica?
If you're experiencing sciatica, common symptoms may include:
Sharp, burning pain radiating from the lower back to the leg
Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve path
Weakness in the affected leg or foot
Worsening pain with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements
When to Seek Physiotherapy for Sciatica?
If you are experiencing sciatic symptoms or persistent pain, physiotherapy can help by:
Assessing for the root cause of the problem
Reducing irritation and pain through manual therapies such as massage, dry needling and spinal mobilisations
Improving mobility with targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
Education and support to get you back to your usual activities, including work, exercise, sport and other hobbies
At Physio PM Townsville, we specialize in treating sciatica with evidence-based approaches, helping you get back to pain-free movement. If you’re struggling with sciatica symptoms, book an appointment today!
