Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, travelling from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It occurs when a nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated. While sciatica can be intensely painful, most cases resolve with non-surgical treatment when addressed promptly.
Symptoms
- Shooting or burning pain that travels from the lower back down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
- A burning or searing sensation along the nerve path
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting for prolonged periods
- Difficulty standing up or walking comfortably
- Pain typically affecting only one side of the body
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (tightening of the piriformis muscle)
- Degenerative disc disease reducing disc height
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) compressing the nerve
- Pregnancy-related pressure on the sciatic nerve
When to Seek Help
You should seek professional help if your sciatic pain persists for more than two weeks, if you notice progressive weakness in your leg or foot, or if the pain is severe enough to limit your daily activities. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden changes in bladder or bowel function, numbness in both legs, or severe pain following an injury or fall.
Understanding Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the buttock and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated at its root, the pain can radiate along its entire path — sometimes all the way to the foot.
Sciatica is particularly common among expats on the Costa Blanca who may be:
- Spending long hours driving or sitting during the relocation process
- Taking up new physical activities such as hiking, golf, or cycling
- Working from home without proper ergonomic support
- Managing increased stress that contributes to muscle tension and disc pressure
Our Approach
Every sciatica case is different, and effective treatment depends on identifying the precise cause. Your assessment at our clinic includes:
- Comprehensive history — understanding the onset, location, and behaviour of your pain
- Neurological examination — testing reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength in the affected leg
- Movement assessment — identifying which positions and movements reproduce or relieve your symptoms
- Diagnosis and treatment plan — determining whether the cause is disc-related, muscular, or structural, and selecting the most appropriate therapies
Treatment Options
Based on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:
- Spinal Decompression — gently creating space between vertebrae to relieve pressure on the compressed nerve root
- Sports Massage — releasing tension in the piriformis, gluteal, and lumbar muscles that may be contributing to nerve irritation
- Nerve mobilisation — specific techniques to restore normal gliding of the sciatic nerve
- Targeted exercise rehabilitation — progressive strengthening to support the spine and prevent recurrence
Recovery and Prevention
Most patients experience meaningful relief within the first few treatment sessions, with continued improvement over 4–8 weeks. Full recovery depends on the underlying cause and how long symptoms have been present.
To reduce the risk of sciatica returning, we recommend:
- Regular core strengthening exercises to stabilise the lumbar spine
- Proper lifting technique and body mechanics
- Frequent movement breaks if you sit for extended periods
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce spinal load
- Stretching routines targeting the lower back, hips, and hamstrings