Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body — which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, or even feel like a jolt or electric shock.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often numbness in the affected leg. While the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with conservative, non-operative treatment within a few weeks.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the lower back down through the buttock and leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower leg or foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting, standing for long periods, or sneezing
- Difficulty moving or controlling the leg
- Pain typically affects one side of the body
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging lumbar disc pressing on the nerve root
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle spasm compressing the nerve)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
- Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
Treatments at Woodbridge Rehabilitation Centre
Our multidisciplinary team creates a personalized treatment plan based on your specific presentation, health history, and goals. The following therapies may be recommended individually or in combination.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal manipulation and mobilization may help reduce pain and improve mobility for some people with sciatica. Dr. Joseph S. Oliva and Dr. Mario Del Frate perform thorough orthopedic and neurological assessments before treatment begins.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists design individualized programs including core strengthening, nerve mobilization exercises, and postural correction to reduce symptoms, improve function and lower the risk of recurrence.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be offered as a complementary option for pain relief. Evidence for sciatica specifically is limited and mixed.
Therapeutic Modalities
Interferential current (IFC), TENS, and ultrasound therapy may be used for short-term symptom relief alongside active rehabilitation.
Softwave Therapy
Softwave may be considered as an adjunct for persistent buttock and muscle pain associated with sciatica, such as piriformis-related pain. Claims of nerve regeneration come from laboratory research and have not been established in patients with sciatica.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Contact your physician promptly, or call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, if you experience any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs (possible cauda equina syndrome — go to the emergency department immediately)
- Progressive leg weakness or foot drop
- Back pain following significant trauma, such as a fall or car accident
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or severe constant pain at night
Selected References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). 2016, updated 2020.
- McMorland G, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(8):576–584.
- Konstantinou K, Dunn KM. Sciatica: review of epidemiological studies and prevalence estimates. Spine. 2008;33(22):2464–2472.
Last updated: September 2026. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare provider.
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