Sciatica: What Causes Leg Pain from the Back and How to Treat It

Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, burning pain, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Most cases settle with the right care — and physiotherapy treats the cause, not just the symptom.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom of an irritated or compressed nerve, commonly from:

• A disc problem (a "slipped disc") pressing on the nerve
• Age-related narrowing of the spinal canal
• Tight or overworked muscles (such as the piriformis) irritating the nerve

What helps at home

• Keep gently active — prolonged bed rest tends to make sciatica worse
• Use heat to relax the muscles around the area
• Avoid prolonged sitting and heavy lifting during a flare-up
• Gentle movement and nerve-mobilising exercises, guided by your physiotherapist

Seek urgent care if you develop weakness in the leg, or any loss of bladder or bowel control — these are rare but need immediate attention.

How physiotherapy treats sciatica

At SPC we first identify the source of the nerve irritation, then treat it with:

1. Manual therapy to relieve pressure and ease muscle tightness
2. Electrotherapy to calm pain and inflammation
3. Specific exercises to take pressure off the nerve and strengthen the back

Most people improve steadily over a few weeks and learn how to keep it from returning.

Leg pain or sciatica in Chittagong? Visit SPC at 2 No. Gate, Sholoshohor, open daily 10 AM–9 PM, or message us on WhatsApp to book an assessment.