What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the nerve, from the lower back down to the legs. This pain is the result of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve in the L4-L5-S1-S2 segment — the longest nerve in the human body (n. ischiadicus). It originates in the lower part of the spine (segments L4-S2), descends through the back of the hips and thighs, and runs down the legs to the feet. Pain caused by inflammation or compression of the nerve can be sharp and paralyzing, and often worsens with movement, sitting, or standing.
Although sciatica includes a wide range of conditions, from acute to chronic pain, it is generally not considered a disease itself, but rather a symptom indicating a problem in the spine or surrounding structures. Sciatica can be caused by various factors, such as degenerative processes in the spine, a herniated disc, injuries, or pressure on the nerve roots.
People with sciatica may experience back pain as well as leg pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and sometimes changes in sensation, such as tingling or numbness. Treatment for this type of pain involves various therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and preventing further injury.
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica is best known for its characteristic pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back all the way down to the legs. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common and typical pains include:
Typical pains and their location:
Sharp, stabbing pain – This is most commonly felt as a sharp pain radiating through the lower back, gluteal area, hip, and thigh, sometimes extending all the way to the foot. This pain can be constant or occur in waves, intensifying when sitting, standing up, or moving.
Burning and tingling – People with sciatica often feel burning, tingling, or numbness, which can result from pressure on the sciatic nerve. These symptoms usually start in the lower back and may spread down to the legs.
Pain in one leg – Although sciatica can affect both legs, pain typically appears only on one side of the body, in the leg affected by nerve compression or irritation. In some cases, the pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Connection with stiffness and weakness:
Stiffness – In addition to pain, people with sciatica often report a feeling of stiffness in the legs, especially in the thighs, calves, or feet. This stiffness can affect mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Muscle weakness – Due to pressure on the nerve, muscle function can be weakened, especially in the legs. People may notice difficulty standing or walking, and sometimes problems lifting the leg or climbing stairs.
These symptoms are usually not only related to pain but also to functional impairments in daily life, which can become serious if not treated in time. This is why it is important to recognize the symptoms of sciatica early and consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are the causes of sciatica?
Sciatica is usually caused by problems with the spine or pressure on the sciatic nerve, and several factors can contribute to its development. Here are the most common causes:
Degenerative changes in the spine:
Spondylosis and osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the joints and intervertebral discs, which commonly occurs with aging, can reduce the space between vertebrae, leading to nerve compression. This condition can cause pain radiating down the leg. Degenerative changes in the spine reduce the flexibility and stability of the spinal column, increasing the risk of irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal stenosis – This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis is most often caused by degenerative changes in the spine, and symptoms include pain in the back and legs, as well as stiffness.
Injuries and herniated disc:
Herniated disc – One of the most common causes of sciatica. A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like part of an intervertebral disc protrudes out of its normal position and presses on nerve roots. This can cause severe pain radiating down the leg. In many cases, a herniated disc leads to acute sciatica, accompanied by pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
Spinal injuries – Fractures, impacts, or other spinal injuries can cause vertebrae displacement or disc damage, which may lead to compression of the sciatic nerve. Injuries directly affecting the spine can also cause long-term issues such as chronic back and leg pain.
Nerve compression:
Disc prolapse and nerve pressure – Disc prolapse occurs when a disc between the vertebrae “bulges” or slips out of its normal position, creating pressure on the nerve roots. This causes pain, tingling, and weakness, often accompanied by movement difficulties.
Piriformis muscle syndrome – Although not a direct spinal injury, this condition occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock area, compresses the sciatic nerve. It can cause pain in the lower back and legs that resembles sciatica because the nerve is under pressure.
Treatment of sciatica at the Fizio Center In Locco
Sciatica, the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, often arises due to degenerative changes in the spine, injuries, herniated discs, or nerve compression. Regardless of the cause, sciatica can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and weakness in the legs. At the Fizio Center In Locco, we provide specialized therapies that help treat sciatica, reduce pain, and restore patient functionality.
Pain relief therapies
To alleviate pain caused by sciatica, various therapeutic methods are used. Our center offers effective treatments such as electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, as well as manual massage techniques that can relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain in the back and legs. These therapies are designed to provide rapid pain relief and also to prevent its recurrence in the long term.
The role of physiotherapy and manual techniques in sciatica treatment
Physiotherapy (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy) is a key part of sciatica treatment because it enables patients to regain mobility and reduce pain through specialized treatments. Using various techniques, such as spinal and soft tissue mobilization, our physiotherapists help restore spinal function and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Massages are extremely beneficial for relaxing tight muscles, improving blood flow, and reducing pain. Continuous treatment can significantly contribute to the reduction of acute pain.
Electrotherapy: Uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and the nervous system, helping reduce pain, improve circulation, and relax muscles. It is effective in reducing muscle spasms and improving functionality of the affected areas.
Magnetotherapy: Application of a magnetic field improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates tissue regeneration. It is used to reduce pain, improve mobility, and aid recovery of damaged structures.
Laser therapy: The use of low-intensity lasers helps reduce pain, speeds healing of damaged tissues, and decreases inflammation. It also stimulates circulation and helps reduce muscle tension, facilitating mobility and easing discomfort.
Ultrasound therapy: Uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deeper tissue layers, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating regeneration of damaged structures. It is effective in reducing pain and swelling, as well as relaxing muscles and tendons.
Kinesiotherapy and Exercises for Functional Recovery
Kinesiotherapy is highly effective in treating sciatica because it focuses on using exercises and movements to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain. At the Fizio Center In Locco, specialized therapists create personalized exercise programs that concentrate on strengthening the back muscles, stretching, and correcting postural issues, significantly reducing the risk of recurrent injuries and pain. Through exercises tailored to each patient, we achieve long-term results in restoring functionality and decreasing pain.
Prevention of Sciatica
Although treating sciatica is crucial, prevention plays a significant role in long-term spinal health and reducing the likelihood of pain recurrence. At the Fizio Center In Locco, we provide advice and specialized prevention programs for sciatica, which include:
Exercises to strengthen back muscles: Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles helps stabilize the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves. Through specialized kinesiotherapy exercises, patients can significantly lower the risk of developing sciatica.
Advice on proper posture and ergonomics: Maintaining correct body posture while sitting, standing, and lifting heavy objects is key to preventing spinal injuries. Our therapists help patients recognize and correct bad habits that can lead to spinal problems and sciatica.
Healthy lifestyle and injury prevention: A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Additionally, our therapists provide guidance on avoiding lifestyle habits that may place stress on the spine and cause injuries.
At the Fizio Center In Locco, we believe that an integrated approach to treating sciatica is essential for achieving the best results. Our specialized therapies, exercises, and preventive advice enable patients to improve their quality of life, reduce pain, and prevent the development of new spinal issues.