Sciatica describes pain and/or other symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the nerves that originate in the lower back and contribute to the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can extend from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot and may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Physiotherapy can help assess your symptoms, movement and function, guide activity, and develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. Not all buttock, leg or foot pain is sciatica, so the first step is understanding your symptoms and determining whether further medical assessment is needed.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain that may travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg
- Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation
- Pain that may be worse with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Symptoms that typically affect one side of the body
- Pain or altered sensation that may extend into the calf or foot
Why Nerve Pain Varies
Nerve symptoms can be influenced by posture, movement patterns, tissue irritation, and nervous system sensitivity. The location and intensity of symptoms don’t always match the severity of the underlying issue.
When to Seek Support
- Persistent nerve-type pain
- Symptoms affecting mobility or balance
- Progressive weakness or numbness
- Pain interfering with daily activities
Seek assessment when nerve-type pain persists, affects balance or mobility, or interferes with daily life. Progressive weakness or numbness requires prompt medical review rather than waiting for a routine rehabilitation appointment.
Go to an emergency department for new difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or anus, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs. These symptoms may indicate a serious spinal problem.
Not sure where to start?
Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and guide you toward the right care.
✔ Review practitioner bios
✔ Visit our How We Can Help page
✔ Book a consultation to ask questions and explore options
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your clinician asks where symptoms travel, when they began, what aggravates or eases them and whether coughing, sitting, walking or bending makes a difference. They also review health history, previous treatment, work demands, sleep and your goals.
Assessment may include back and leg movement, walking, strength, sensation, reflexes and tests of nerve sensitivity. Tests are selected and adapted to your symptoms. The therapist explains what the findings suggest and whether a doctor or other specialist should be involved.
Bring relevant imaging reports, a medication list and any claim information. You do not need to arrive with a self-diagnosis or an exercise program already chosen.
Treatment and Activity
Care may include education, activity modification and a gradual exercise program to improve movement, strength and tolerance of daily tasks. Hands-on techniques may be considered as part of a broader active plan. Your therapist monitors changes in buttock, leg or foot symptoms and neurological function as well as pain.
A movement that helps one person can aggravate another. Avoid forcing a stretch or repeatedly testing through worsening buttock, leg or foot pain, numbness or weakness. Discuss the response with your practitioner so the plan can be adjusted.
Recovery Expectations
Sciatica often improves over weeks to months, although some people have symptoms for longer or experience another episode. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, symptom duration, neurological findings and response to care. Improved walking, sitting, sleep and strength can help guide progress alongside pain levels.
If symptoms worsen or progress stalls, your clinician should reassess whether further investigation or another treatment pathway is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The visit combines a detailed symptom history with relevant movement, strength and neurological checks. You will discuss what the findings mean, the initial plan and any reasons to seek medical review.
No. Different problems can cause pain in the buttock, leg or foot, and symptoms may overlap. A physical assessment helps distinguish possible contributors and identify whether further medical investigation is needed.
There is no reliable visit count before assessment. Some symptoms settle over several weeks; others take months or need additional medical care. Your therapist should explain review points and adjust follow-up to changes in function and neurological symptoms.
A scan is not routinely needed for uncomplicated back pain with sciatica. Imaging may be appropriate when there are concerning findings or when it would change management. Bring any reports you already have.
Usually, the aim is to keep tolerable movement while adapting aggravating activities. A personalized plan helps you increase activity gradually. Sudden or progressive weakness, saddle numbness or new bladder or bowel changes require medical assessment.
Review Coast Therapy practitioner profiles and our How We Can Help page, or book a consultation to discuss appointment options. Describe your buttock, leg or foot symptoms and any weakness when contacting the clinic so the team can guide the booking process.