Sciatica: When Back Problems Cause Leg Pain
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg to the foot. It is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, most commonly from a lumbar disc herniation, bone spur, or piriformis muscle tightness.
Sciatica is one of the most common conditions treated at VPARC in Varanasi. Many patients arrive having been told they need surgery — and leave, weeks later, with complete resolution of symptoms through physiotherapy alone.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
- Weakness in the leg or difficulty walking
- Pain worse when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
VPARC's Sciatica Treatment Approach
- Neural Mobilisation — Sciatic nerve flossing and tensioning to free nerve movement
- Lumbar Traction — Decompression of the disc and nerve root
- McKenzie Method — Directional preference exercises that rapidly centralise leg pain
- Manual Therapy — Lumbar joint mobilisation and piriformis release
- Core Stabilisation — Strengthening spinal stabilisers to prevent recurrence
- Postural Education — Sitting posture, sleeping positions, daily habits
When is Surgery Needed for Sciatica?
Surgery is indicated only in specific situations — severe neurological deficit (foot drop, bladder involvement) or failure to respond to 6–12 weeks of intensive physiotherapy. The vast majority of sciatica cases resolve with expert physiotherapy at VPARC.