Sciatica Physiotherapy in Ahmedabad

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg, often to the foot. It happens when a nerve root in the lower back is irritated or pressed.

The most common cause is a bulging or slipped disc. Discs are soft cushions between the bones of the spine. When part of a disc bulges, it can irritate the nearby nerve. Other causes include narrowing of the spaces where nerves pass, often linked to age related changes, and, less often, a tight muscle in the buttock.

Sciatica can be very painful, but the NHS notes that it often gets better within 4 to 6 weeks, though some cases last longer. Physiotherapy helps you manage the pain, stay active and recover well.

Who gets sciatica

• Adults aged 30 to 50, when disc problems are most common
• People who sit for long hours or drive a lot
• People who lift heavy loads, especially with bending and twisting
• People with previous back pain
• Older adults with narrowing of the spinal canal

Common signs of sciatica

• Pain from the buttock down the leg, often feeling sharp, burning or shooting
• Leg pain that feels worse than back pain
• Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
• Pain worse with sitting, bending forward, coughing or sneezing
• In some cases, weakness in the leg or foot

How I help

• Careful assessment: I test the nerves, check strength, reflexes and sensation, and find out which positions ease or increase your pain.
• Calming the nerve: positions and gentle movements that reduce pressure on the nerve and settle pain.
• Exercise: step by step exercises to restore back movement, strengthen the core and hips, and improve nerve mobility.
• Hands on therapy: to ease muscle spasm and joint stiffness.
• Activity advice: how to sit, sleep, get out of bed and travel with less pain, and how to slowly return to normal activity.
• Monitoring: I watch for any warning signs and refer you to a doctor if needed.

Your first session

Bring any MRI or doctor’s reports. I take a detailed history, check your back and legs, and test the nerves carefully. I explain what is likely causing your sciatica in plain words, start treatment, and teach you a few gentle exercises and positions that help.

How many sessions you may need

Many people improve within 6 to 10 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks, especially when they stay active and do their home exercises. Some cases take longer. I track your symptoms and strength at each visit so we know the nerve is recovering.