Sciatica: home physiotherapy

How physiotherapy helps

Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, usually due to disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. The characteristic pain follows the nerve\u02bcs path from the lower back to the foot. Home physiotherapy is particularly effective because it allows continuous assessment and program adjustment. Techniques include: McKenzie exercises for disc decompression, neural mobilization, specific piriformis stretching, and progressive core strengthening. The therapist also teaches you relief positions during flare-ups. With proper physiotherapy, 90% of sciatica cases resolve without need for surgery, within 6–12 weeks.

Common symptoms

• Pain originating in the lower back and traveling down the leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg
• Muscle weakness in the leg
• Sharp pain when sneezing or coughing
• Pain typically on one side