Region affected
Lumbar Spine
Common in
Adults 30 - 60
Onset
Acute or gradual
Related conditions
Disc Herniation, SIJ Dysfunction, Facet Joint Syndrome
Sciatica describes pain, tingling or numbness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back or buttock, through the hip and down the back of the leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself. The term describes the pattern of nerve irritation, but the underlying cause and therefore the appropriate treatment, can vary significantly between individuals.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, formed from nerve roots that exit the lumbar spine at L4, L5 and S1. Anything that compresses or irritates these nerve roots as they exit the spine, or as the sciatic nerve travels through the pelvis and into the leg, can produce sciatic symptoms.
The most common causes of sciatic nerve irritation include:
Sciatic symptoms vary in quality and distribution depending on the cause and level of nerve involvement:
The most common causes of sciatic nerve irritation include:
Sciatic symptoms vary in quality and distribution depending on the cause and level of nerve involvement:
Sciatica is one of the most common presentations at The MSK Studio in Adelaide. Effective treatment starts with identifying the specific cause, because managing disc-related sciatica, SIJ referral and piriformis-related nerve compression are three quite different approaches. Assessment includes a detailed neurological and orthopaedic examination to determine which structure is involved. Treatment combines targeted hands-on therapy with nerve mobilisation, progressive loading and directionally guided exercises.
See our sciatica physiotherapy service below:
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