If you have ever felt a sharp, burning or shooting pain travelling from your lower back down through your buttock and leg, you may already be familiar with sciatica. It can be alarming, particularly when it first appears, and it often leaves people wondering what is happening inside their body and how long it will last. The good news is that sciatica is very treatable, and with the right approach, most people make a full recovery.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica describes irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hip and leg. It is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom, usually caused by something else going on nearby, such as a disc that is placing pressure on a nerve root, tightness in the surrounding muscles, or changes in the joints of the lower spine. The pain can range from a dull ache to something far more intense, and it is often accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.

Why a thorough assessment matters

No two cases of sciatica are quite the same, which is why we never begin with a set treatment plan. Every appointment starts with a thorough assessment, combining careful questioning about your symptoms, how they began and what makes them better or worse, with hands on physical testing to understand exactly what is happening in your spine, hips and nerves. Testing your nerves may involve testing your sensation, reflexes and power.

This assessment allows us to build a clear picture of the underlying cause, rather than simply treating the symptoms in isolation. It also helps us understand your irritability level, in other words, how sensitive your nerve currently is, which shapes how gently or how actively we can begin working with you.

Treatment tailored to you

Physiotherapy is not formulaic. Once we understand your individual presentation, we build a treatment plan around your specific symptoms, your irritability, your goals and your daily life. For some people, this might begin with calming, gentle techniques to settle the nerve. For others, it might involve targeted strengthening and movement work from the outset. The plan evolves as you do, and we adjust it at every stage based on how you respond. This is why a course of treatment is often needed.

Treatment may include hands on manual therapy, guided exercise and movement work, and clear advice on what to do, and what to avoid, while you recover. We place a strong emphasis on education throughout, helping you understand what is happening in your body and why we are recommending a particular approach, so that you feel informed and reassured rather than simply following instructions.

A holistic approach

Recovering well from sciatica is rarely just about the time spent in the treatment room. Where helpful, we liaise directly with your GP or consultant or Surgeon to ensure your care is joined up, particularly if further investigations or medical input are needed. We also look at the practical side of daily life, including workstation set up, sitting posture and daily habits, since these often play a significant part in both the original onset and ongoing management of sciatica.

Our aim throughout is to help you understand your condition, ease your symptoms, and support a safe and lasting return to the activities you enjoy.

Get in touch

If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica and would like a thorough, individualised assessment, our team at The Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic would be happy to help. You can reach us on 01534 490312 or book online to arrange an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What is sciatica and what does it feel like?
Sciatica is irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hip and down the leg. It typically causes a sharp, burning or shooting pain on one side, sometimes with tingling, numbness or sometimes weakness in the leg or foot.

How long does sciatica usually take to recover from?
No tow cases are the same. It is quite variable from person to person. However, most people see a significant improvement within a few weeks with the right treatment, although this varies depending on the underlying cause and how irritable the nerve is at the outset. A thorough assessment helps us give a more accurate picture for your individual case.

Do I need a scan for sciatica?
Not usually. Most cases of sciatica can be assessed and treated effectively through a thorough clinical examination alone. An MRI scan is only needed in a small number of cases, and where appropriate, we liaise directly with your GP or consultant to arrange this.

Can physiotherapy help sciatica without surgery?
Yes. The majority of people with sciatica improve with physiotherapy and do not require surgery. Treatment usually combines hands on therapy, targeted exercise and clear guidance on daily habits, with surgery reserved for a small minority of more complex cases.