Many clients come to physiotherapy seeking treatment for “Sciatica”. The term Sciatica is used to describe pain going down the back of the leg along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. However, this pain can be caused by several different sources. Understanding what the sciatic nerve is and its pathway from the back to the foot will shed light on how a disruption anywhere along the chain can bring about symptoms of Sciatica.

The sciatic nerve is the main nerve that innervates the backside of the thigh and lower leg, and is responsible for both motor control and sensation in the back of the leg. It originates from nerve roots that exit out of the spine in the lower back. From there, they merge together to form a thick nerve bundle which is called the sciatic nerve in the glute region where it has to squeeze past many muscles as it continues down the back of the leg. Along the way there will be peripheral nerves that branch off and will wrap around the leg and innervate the sides and front of the lower leg. Eventually, it will end on the underside of the foot.

Any disruption to the nerve, whether it be from too much compression or too much tension, can cause pain and irritation to the sciatic nerve. Therefore, the treatment and area of focus will differ depending on the source of your injury. At Peak Form Physiotherapy, there is no standard cookie-cutter treatment for your sciatica. Instead, our physiotherapists will be able to determine which areas are contributing to your sciatica during your assessment and provide the proper treatment and exercises to eliminate your pain.

Contact us to learn more about sciatica and to book an assessment with one of our therapists today!