What is it?
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The most common cause is compression of a lumbar nerve root, usually from a disc herniation.
Common causes
- Lumbar disc herniation pressing on a nerve root
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle compressing the sciatic nerve)
- Spondylolisthesis
- Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
Signs and symptoms
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain from the lower back to the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Pain worsening with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Relief when lying down or walking
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Neural mobilisation techniques to reduce nerve tension
- Lumbar traction to decompress nerve roots
- Core strengthening to stabilise the lumbar spine
- McKenzie extension exercises (when appropriate)
- Education on positions to avoid and positions that relieve pain
What you can do at home
- Lie on your back with knees bent — this reduces nerve pressure
- Perform gentle nerve glides as directed by your physiotherapist
- Avoid prolonged sitting; take breaks every 20–30 minutes
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
When to visit VPARC
Seek urgent care if you experience leg weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, or saddle anaesthesia (numbness in the groin area). These may indicate cauda equina syndrome — a medical emergency.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Sciatica Treatment in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.