Understanding Sciatica and Lower Back Pain: When to See a Physio for Help
Lower back pain can significantly impact daily life, and when it radiates down the leg, it may indicate sciatica—a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. This nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg, can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and when to seek physiotherapy can help you effectively manage sciatica and improve your quality of life.
Today, we’re exploring what sciatica is, its common causes and symptoms, and when to seek help from a physiotherapist.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can result from several underlying issues, including:
Herniated Discs: When the gel-like center of a disc protrudes, it can press against the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerve roots, leading to pain.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips over another, potentially pinching the nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome: Tightness in the piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Injuries: Trauma to the lower back or hips can cause inflammation and nerve irritation.
Recognising the Symptoms
Sciatica symptoms can vary, but they often include:
A sharp, burning pain that travels down the leg
Numbness or tingling sensations in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness affecting your ability to move your leg
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
Understanding these symptoms can help you recognise when something isn’t right.
The Importance of Early Intervention
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sciatica or lower back pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery journey, helping you return to the activities you love.
Here are some signs that you should schedule a visit with a physiotherapist:
Pain: If your pain lasts more than a few days and doesn’t seem to improve, it’s time to reach out.
Functional Limitations: Pain that is affecting walking, sitting, standing, or performing daily activities.
Weakness or Numbness: If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get it checked out. We’ll perform a neural exam and look at how strong your muscles are, check areas of sensation, and test your reflexes to understand what's going on. If there are concerns, we will refer you to have an MRI or CT scan.
Important** If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, this is a medical emergency—please head straight to the emergency department for immediate assessment. This could be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition where the nerves at the base of the spine become compressed. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
We will develop a tailored treatment plan specific to you, your goals and your lifestyle.
At Kaylana, we’re not about quick fixes—if that’s what you’re after, we might not be the right fit for you! But if you’re looking for a dedicated physiotherapist to help you recover from sciatica and improve your quality of life, we’re here for you.
Did you know that low back pain is one of the most common health issues, affecting approximately 80% of adults at some point in their lives? In fact, it’s a leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, many people experience recurrent episodes of low back pain; studies show that up to 60-80% of individuals may have a relapse within a year after their initial episode. This is why our approach at Kaylana focuses on long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
Our first step is to conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying cause of your pain. This individualised approach allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Here’s how we can help:
Education: Knowledge is power when it comes to managing sciatica. We’ll walk you through the factors contributing to your pain and how to address them. Plus, we'll cover lifestyle changes to help prevent future flare-ups, like adding regular physical activity to your routine, making ergonomic tweaks at home and work, and sharing some self-care tips that fit into your everyday life.
McKenzie Method®: Alannah is also trained in the McKenzie Method®, a globally recognised approach to assessing and treating spinal and extremity pain. This evidence-based approach focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain through specific movements and exercises. By teaching you how to perform targeted movements, the McKenzie Method® empowers you to manage your symptoms and improve your posture, helping to alleviate pain and prevent future flare-ups.
Manual Therapy: In the early stages, we use various hands-on techniques coupled with therapeutic exercise to alleviate pain and improve mobility. This may include gentle mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, and dry needling aimed at relieving muscle and joint tension, promoting better movement patterns. By reducing pain and stiffness, manual therapy can help you feel more comfortable and mobile in your daily activities.
Exercise Programs: Engaging in targeted exercises is essential for strengthening your core and lower back. We will design a customised home exercise program that not only focuses on building strength but also enhances your flexibility and promotes optimal posture. These exercises may include stability training, stretching, and low-impact activities to help you develop the strength and endurance needed to support your spine and reduce the likelihood of future episodes of sciatica.
Clinical Exercise Rehab Classes: Once you’re through the acute phase, joining one of our clinical exercise rehab classes is a fantastic way to keep progressing with your recovery. In these small groups (max 3 participants), each person follows their own personalised exercise program tailored to their unique goals—all under the guidance of a physiotherapist. It’s the perfect blend of individualised care and a supportive environment!
Physio-led Pilates Classes: After completing your rehabilitation exercises, many clients find it beneficial to continue their progress by joining our physio-led Pilates classes. These sessions build on the strength, mobility, and stability you’ve gained during rehab, helping maintain your improvements and prevent setbacks.
Together, we’ll work towards a stronger, healthier you!
Get Back To What You Love
There are no quick fixes when it comes to low back pain, but building a solid foundation makes all the difference. From here, our clients feel prepared to get back to their favourite gym routines and hobbies, using the strength and body awareness they’ve developed throughout their rehab journey. It’s all about keeping up with those new habits, embracing better movement patterns, and staying active and strong for the long haul!
With the right support, you can regain strength, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of future pain flare-ups. If low back pain is slowing you down, reach out to our physiotherapist at Kaylana Wellness Collective in Hurstville. Let’s work together to get you feeling your best, so you can get back to living life to the fullest!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.