Sciatica Treatment in Newcastle

Sciatica can cause pain that travels from your lower back into your buttock, thigh, calf and even your foot. It can range from a mild ache to severe, sharp or burning pain that makes walking, sitting or sleeping difficult.

 

At NE Physio in Newcastle, we provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for sciatica. Rather than simply treating your symptoms, we identify the underlying cause of your nerve irritation and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you recover as quickly as possible.

 

Whether your symptoms started suddenly after lifting something heavy or have gradually developed over several weeks, physiotherapy can often reduce pain, restore movement and help prevent the problem returning.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or one of the nerve roots that form it.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back before travelling through the buttock and down the back of each leg.

When irritated, you may experience:

  • Pain travelling below the knee
  • Burning or electric shock sensations
  • Pins and needles
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty standing or walking comfortably

Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The important part of your assessment is identifying why the nerve has become irritated.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Lumbar Disc Herniation

A bulging or herniated disc is one of the most common causes, particularly in younger and middle-aged adults. The disc presses against a spinal nerve, producing pain down the leg.

Degenerative Changes

As we age, changes within the spine can narrow the spaces where nerves exit, leading to irritation.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing around the spinal canal or nerve roots may produce sciatica, particularly during walking.

Spondylolisthesis 

One vertebra can slip slightly forwards, narrowing the space available for nerves.

Piriformis Syndrome

Occasionally, muscles deep within the buttock can irritate the sciatic nerve.

Although many people worry about “slipped discs”, most cases improve well with conservative management and do not require surgery.

Symptoms of Sciatica 

Sciatica affects everyone differently.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the buttock
  • Pain travelling down the leg
  • Pins and needles
  • Numbness
  • Burning pain
  • Electric shock sensations
  • Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing
  • Pain during prolonged sitting
  • Weakness in the foot or ankle
  • Difficulty walking long distances

Some people have very little back pain but significant leg pain.

How We Diagnose Sciatica

At NE Physio, your appointment begins with a detailed assessment.

We will discuss:

  • How your symptoms started
  • Pain location
  • Activities that aggravate or ease symptoms
  • Previous back problems
  • General health

Your physiotherapist will then assess:

  • Lumbar spine movement
  • Muscle strength
  • Sensation
  • Reflexes
  • Neural tension tests
  • Walking pattern
  • Hip movement

These findings help determine whether your symptoms are coming from the lower back, hip, pelvis or another source.

Imaging such as MRI is not routinely required and is usually reserved for people with severe neurological symptoms, persistent symptoms or suspected serious pathology.

Sciatica Treatment

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

Education 

Understanding what is causing your symptoms often reduces fear and improves recovery.

Pain Management 

Advice regarding movement, activity modification and pacing helps reduce irritation while maintaining function.

Manual Therapy 

Hands-on treatment may help improve movement, reduce stiffness and ease muscle tension where appropriate.

Exercise Rehabilitation 

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica.

Your programme may include:

  • Mobility exercises
  • Nerve gliding exercises
  • Core strengthening
  • Hip strengthening
  • Progressive loading
  • Functional rehabilitation

Exercises are progressed according to your recovery.

Return to Sport

If you are a runner, cyclist or gym-goer, rehabilitation will include a gradual return to your chosen activity.

How long does sciatica last?

Many people begin improving within a few weeks.

Recovery depends on:

  • Cause of symptoms
  • Severity of nerve irritation
  • Duration before treatment
  • General fitness
  • Activity levels

While some people recover in six to eight weeks, others may take several months.

Early assessment often helps identify the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Can Physiotherapy help Sciatica?

For many people, yes.

Research consistently shows physiotherapy can help:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve movement
  • Increase confidence
  • Restore strength
  • Improve walking
  • Reduce recurrence

The goal is not simply pain relief but addressing the reasons symptoms developed in the first place.