SHOOTING PAIN DOWN THE LEG? LET’S TALK ABOUT SCIATICA
Have you ever felt a sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down to your leg —
sometimes even to your toes? That nagging discomfort could be more than just a muscle strain; it might
be sciatica.
Sciatica isn’t a condition itself but a symptom of something putting pressure on the sciatic nerve — the
longest nerve in your body. It usually gets irritated due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even tight
muscles like the piriformis. The result? Pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness radiating along the nerve
pathway, often affecting one side of the body.
While sciatica can feel scary and even debilitating, the good news is: physiotherapy can make a massive
difference. After ruling out red flags (like cauda equina syndrome or significant neurological deficits),
physiotherapists focus on reducing pressure on the nerve and restoring mobility. This might include
neural gliding exercises, core stabilization, manual therapy, and postural correction techniques.
Importantly, managing sciatica isn’t just about calming the pain — it’s about finding and fixing the root
cause. Are your hips too tight? Is your core too weak? Are you sitting too long at work with poor
posture?
Early intervention, guided exercises, and lifestyle tweaks can prevent the problem from becoming
chronic. So, if you’re dealing with a sharp pain that won’t quit, don’t brush it off as “just back pain.” It’s
your body’s way of asking for help — and with the right physiotherapy approach, relief is within reach.
Need help identifying early signs or choosing the right exercises? Reach out to a physiotherapist — your
nerves will thank you.
