Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Reviewed by the Physiotherapy Team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre 

Looking for sciatica treatment in Kitchener-Waterloo? Discover common symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and how physiotherapy can support recovery.  

What Is Sciatica? 

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body!) Unlike many other types of low back pain, sciatica causes symptoms that radiate from the lower back or buttock down the leg, sometimes extending into the foot or toes. This is because the sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and travels down each leg. 

Symptoms May Include 

• Pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and leg 

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain down the leg 

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot 

• Muscle weakness in the affected leg 

• Symptoms that worsen with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing 

Sciatica typically affects one side of the body, although symptom severity can range from mild discomfort to significant pain.

What Causes Sciatica? 

Irritation of the sciatic nerve root can be caused by: 

• Lumbar disc herniation ("slipped disc") bulged 

• Degenerative changes in the spine 

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) 

• Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slipping forward on another) 

• Muscle tightness or irritation around the sciatic nerve 

Risk factors: prolonged sitting, repetitive bending or lifting, physically demanding work, and a history of low back pain.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Sciatica? 

• Pain persists for more than a few days 

• Symptoms are limiting work, exercise, or daily activities 

• You experience recurring episodes of sciatica 

• Leg pain is worsening despite rest and self-management 

  
  

How Can Physiotherapy Help Sciatica? 

Physiotherapy treatment for sciatica may include: 

• Education and activity modification  

• Individualized exercise programs  

• Mobility and flexibility exercises  

• Strengthening of the core and lower body  

• Manual therapy when appropriate  

• Return-to-work and return-to-sport planning 

Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide an effective treatment plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy!