Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the leg and foot. It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, most commonly by a herniated lumbar disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. In Faridabad, sciatica is one of the most common presentations we see at Realign Rehab Clinic.
Symptoms
Classic sciatica presents as: sharp, shooting, burning, or electric-shock pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and leg; numbness or tingling in the leg or foot; weakness in the leg or foot (in more severe cases); and pain that worsens with sitting, bending forward, or coughing/sneezing.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Sciatica
Neural Mobilisation (Nerve Flossing)
Neural mobilisation techniques gently move the sciatic nerve through its surrounding tissues, reducing neural tension and adhesions. These techniques are highly effective for sciatica caused by nerve irritation rather than severe compression.
McKenzie Method
Directional preference exercises (usually lumbar extension for disc-related sciatica) can rapidly centralise pain — moving pain from the leg back to the lower back — and accelerate recovery. We assess each patient's directional preference and prescribe appropriate exercises.
Lumbar Traction
Mechanical traction gently distracts the lumbar vertebrae, reducing disc pressure and widening the intervertebral foramen to relieve nerve compression. Effective for disc-related sciatica.
Core Stabilisation
Strengthening the deep spinal stabilisers (multifidus, transversus abdominis) reduces recurrent disc stress that perpetuates sciatica. This is essential for long-term recovery and prevention of recurrence.
Electrotherapy
IFT, TENS, and ultrasound therapy provide pain relief that enables active rehabilitation. Laser therapy can also reduce sciatic nerve inflammation.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical attention for sciatica with: bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anaesthesia (numbness in the groin/inner thighs), or rapidly progressive leg weakness — these may indicate cauda equina syndrome requiring emergency surgery.
Sciatica Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, 90% of our sciatica patients recover without surgery through targeted physiotherapy. Book your assessment today.