This document discusses sciatica, which is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back through the hips and legs. Sciatica is caused by inflammation or damage to the sciatic nerve from issues like herniated discs or bone spurs. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness in one leg. While most cases resolve with physiotherapy, severe sciatica with leg weakness or bowel/bladder changes may require other treatment. Maintaining good posture and exercise can help prevent sciatica, while physiotherapists use treatments like heat, stretching, exercises and dry needling to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of back pain.

1. -Dr. Diksha Gondkar, MPT (Neuro)

3.  Sciatica refers to
pain that radiates
along the path of
the sciatic nerve
 It extends from
your
 lower back through
your
 hips and buttocks
and
 down to the leg.

4.  It affects only one
side of your body
 Causes inflammation,
 Pain and
 Often some
numbness in the
affected leg
 Most cases resolve
with non-operative
treatments like
Regular
Physiotherapy in a
few weeks

5.  Hallmark:- Pain that
radiates from your
lower (lumbar) spine
to your buttock and
down the back of
your leg
 mild ache to a sharp
 burning sensation or
excruciating pain
 jolt or electric shock
like

6.  Worse when you
cough or sneeze, and
 Prolonged sitting can
aggravate symptoms
 Numbness,
 Tingling or
 Muscle weakness in
the affected leg or
 Foot

7.  People who have
severe sciatica
 That's associated
with significant leg
weakness or
 Bowel or bladder
changes

8.  Sciatic nerve is
pinched
 Herniated disk
 Overgrowth of bone
(bone spur)
 More rarely, tumor
 Damaged by a
disease such as
diabetes.

9.  Age related
changes-
 Herniated discs
 Bony spurs

10.  Obesity
 Excess body weight
increases stress on
your spine
 It therefore leads to
spinal changes and
triggers sciatica

11.  Occupation
 twist your back
 carry heavy loads
 drive a motor
vehicle for long
periods

12.  Prolonged sitting
 People who have
sedentary lifestyle
are more prone to
sciatica as
compared to active
people

13.  Sudden pain
 Severe pain in your
low back or leg
 Numbness or muscle
weakness in your leg
 The pain following
any injury, such as a
traffic accident
 Trouble controlling
your bowels or
bladder

14.  Exercise regularly
 Maintain proper
posture when you sit
 Use good body
mechanics

15.  A Physiotherapist is expertise in diagnosing and
treating the root cause of your back pain
 Various line of treatments are used by Physios,
eg.
 Hot fermentation
 Stretching
 Exercises
 Electrical Modalities
 Dry Needling
 Taping
 Cupping

16. Hot fermentation Stretching

17. Exercises Electrical Modalities

18. Dry Needling Taping

19. Cupping