Sciatic Pain, or Sciatica, is a condition in which irritation of nerves in the back and the buttock leads to pain in the lower back, buttock, and the leg. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the Sciatic Nerve and the Nerve Roots that make up the Sciatic Nerve. The Sciatic Nerve is a collection of sensing and controlling nerves that travel from the spine, through the pelvis and buttock, and into the leg. The Sciatic Nerve supplies sensation to the skin over the back and side of the leg and thigh as well as the foot, and powers large muscles such as the hamstrings, gluteal (buttock) muscles, and muscles in the lower limb as well.
Sciatica is a common neuromusculoskeletal condition, with lifetime prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 40% in population studies (Konstantinou & Dunn, 2008). Among individuals experiencing low back pain, approximately 5%–10% present with sciatica, making it one of the most frequent nerve‑related pain syndromes encountered in clinical practice (Ropper & Zafonte, 2015).
The Sciatic Nerve is most commonly irritated by mechanical factors in the lower back and in the pelvis. In the lower back, muscle spasm, nerve root irritation, disc or joint inflammation or collapse of a spinal disc can lead to irritation of the nerve, where herniation has been found to account for up to 90% of acute sciatica cases in some clinical cohorts (Valat et al., 2010). This causes pain in the areas of skin and muscle controlled by that nerve. Because the pain is felt in a separate location from where the irritation is taking place, it is called Referred Pain. In the Pelvis and the hip, tightness of hip muscles can compress the Sciatic Nerve itself such as that associated with piriformis‑related sciatic nerve entrapment which may contribute to symptoms. Although less common, piriformis‑related mechanisms are estimated to represent 6%–17% of sciatica presentations depending on diagnostic criteria (Boyajian‑O’Neill et al., 2008). These patterns reinforce a key insight: The location of pain does not always reveal the location of the problem.
Mechanical factors which cause Sciatica arise as a consequence of short-term damage, long-term muscular or structural strain, or as the result of age. Short-term damage can be caused by sudden impacts, abrupt bending or twisting while carrying a load, as well as from lifting objects using an inappropriate posture, or which are inappropriately heavy. Long-term strain comes about as the result of sustaining a posture over a period of time, typically months or years. Desk work, driving, and reclined postures can all cause long-term muscular strain. Occupational exposures such as whole‑body vibration as experienced by vehicle operators show significantly higher rates of sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy (Bovenzi, 2010). Age‑related changes including disc degeneration, arthritic inflammation, and reduced bone density further increase susceptibility to nerve irritation. These trends underscore a broader principle: Long‑term movement habits shape long‑term spinal health.
Sciatic pain can vary from a dull soreness, numbness, or tingling to feelings of an electric shock, throbbing heat, or stabbing pain. The severity can range from an annoying ache to pain so intense it makes it tough to walk or stand. In severe cases of Sciatica, muscles may become weak, and mobility may be negatively impacted as a consequence of changed muscle function over time.
Because of the referred nature of Sciatic pain, the location in which the pain is felt may change. It may be felt closer to or further away from the spine. You may feel discomfort closer to the skin, or deep within the muscle. The behaviour of sciatic pain can be used to establish its nature and the factors which are most likely contributing to it.
Preventive strategies emphasise mobility, strength, and healthy movement patterns. Evidence suggests that regular physical activity—including walking—reduces the risk of developing low back pain and radicular symptoms (Shiri & Falah‑Hassani, 2017). Maintaining flexibility in the lower back and hips can help reduce mechanical strain, particularly for individuals who spend long hours sitting. Strength and resistance training that enhances postural control and balance may also reduce the likelihood of nerve irritation, especially for people who regularly lift or move heavy objects.
Management and assessment of Sciatica depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time the pain has persisted. Simple strategies include gentle stretching of tight muscles and sore joints with a view to relieving the pain, as well as using hot or cold packs for a little temporary relief. Effective pain medication includes anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate, or prescription medication if recommended by a physician.
A physiotherapist can assess the nature of a person's sciatic pain, determine the most likely factors leading to and aggravating that pain, as well as minimise that pain and promote a healthy recovery. These details are explored during your first assessment, which lays the groundwork for reducing pain and improving comfort. From there, your treatment plan is tailored to the specific cause, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring pain-free movement, and building strategies to lower the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we guide you with clear education, structured management, and ongoing support both in the clinic and at home. We make care easy to access by opening seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward feeling more comfortable, moving with confidence, and enjoying care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Bovenzi, M. (2010). A longitudinal study of low back pain and daily vibration exposure in professional drivers. Industrial Health, 47(5), 463–470.
Boyajian‑O’Neill, L. A., McClain, R. L., Coleman, M. K., & Thomas, P. P. (2008). Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 108(11), 657–664.
Konstantinou, K., & Dunn, K. M. (2008). Sciatica: Review of epidemiological studies and prevalence estimates. European Spine Journal, 17(4), 361–366.
Ropper, A. H., & Zafonte, R. D. (2015). Sciatica. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(13), 1240–1248.
Shiri, R., & Falah‑Hassani, K. (2017). Does leisure‑time physical activity protect against low back pain? A systematic review and meta‑analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 186(7), 775–785.
Valat, J.‑P., Genevay, S., Marty, M., Rozenberg, S., & Koes, B. (2010). Sciatica. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 24(2), 241–252.