If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain shooting down your lower back, hip, or leg, you might be dealing with sciatica. It’s a common condition and the pain can range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating. The good news? The physiotherapists at Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic can help.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t actually a diagnosis on its own, it’s a symptom that happens when the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in your body) gets irritated or compressed. This often feels like:
- Sharp or burning pain down one side of the body
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness when moving the leg
- Pain that gets worse when sitting for long periods
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is often linked to:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Muscle tightness (especially in the glutes and hamstrings)
- Postural strain from sitting too much
- Injuries like slips, falls, or sports related trauma
How Physiotherapy Helps Sciatica
At Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, our physiotherapists focus on relieving pain, restoring movement, and preventing flare ups. Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy: Gentle hands on techniques to reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension.
- Targeted exercises: To strengthen your core and stabilize your spine.
- Stretching routines: To release tight muscles around the lower back and hips.
- Posture & ergonomic advice: Small adjustments to how you sit, work, or sleep can make a big difference.
- Education: Knowing what movements to avoid (and which to practice) helps prevent sciatica from coming back.
Why Choose Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic?
Recovery is faster and safer when your treatment is tailored to your body, your lifestyle, and your pain triggers. Our team at Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic have helped countless clients get back to work, sports, and everyday life without that constant nerve pain holding them back.
Don’t Let Sciatica Slow You Down
If sciatica is interfering with your day to day life, physiotherapy is a proven, drug free, and often a surgery preventing solution. Contact us today to book your appointment