Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and What Actually Helps

Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Back Pain, Nerve Pain Relief, Physical Therapy, Reform PT Education on November 26, 2025

Sciatica can feel like sharp, burning, or shooting pain in your lower back and leg, and understanding sciatica symptoms is the first step toward finding real relief. As a result, everyday activities like standing, walking, or sitting can become uncomfortable. In many cases, the pain travels down only one side of the body and changes depending on how you move. Because of this, simple tasks may feel harder than usual. Even though the sciatic nerve is large and easily irritated, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. With the right combination of movement, stretching, and guided care, most people start feeling better and return to their normal routine.

This guide breaks down what sciatica is, how to recognize it, and what actually helps you find relief.

Understanding Sciatica Symptoms and What They Mean

Sciatica is not a condition by itself — it’s a group of symptoms that begin when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve is the largest in your body, running from your lower back down through your hips, glutes, and legs. When something presses on or inflames the nerve, it sends pain signals down the leg. That’s why sciatica often feels different from regular back pain. When you start understanding sciatica symptoms, it becomes easier to notice early warning signs and get the right kind of help before the pain gets worse.

Common Sciatica Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sciatica symptoms usually affect one side of the body. They can range from mild discomfort to intense pain that stops you in your tracks.

Most people notice:

• Lower back pain
A dull ache or sharp pain that may spread downward.

• Shooting pain down the leg
Often described as burning, zapping, or electric-like pain.

• Pain that gets worse with sitting
Sitting puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, especially if posture is poor.

• Numbness or tingling
You may feel “pins and needles” in your leg, calf, or foot.

• Weakness in the affected leg
The leg may feel heavy or harder to lift.

• Pain that feels better when moving
Walking often feels better than standing still or sitting.

If symptoms come with trouble controlling your bladder or bowel, that is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can begin for several different reasons, and as a result, the symptoms may feel slightly different from person to person. Most commonly, the sciatic nerve becomes irritated when something presses on it or causes inflammation. Because of this, it’s helpful to understand the main causes so you know what might be triggering your pain.

Herniated or Bulging Disc

A disc that moves out of place can press on the nerve. When this happens, nerve pain often shoots down the leg.

Muscle Tightness

Tight hip or glute muscles can pinch the sciatic nerve. For example, a tight piriformis muscle can irritate the nerve even without a spine issue.

Spinal Stenosis

This narrowing in the spine crowds the nerve. As a result, standing or walking may feel more painful.

Arthritis or Disc Degeneration

Wear and tear can change how the spine moves. Over time, this can increase pressure on the nerve.

Pregnancy

Shifts in posture and added pressure can irritate the sciatic nerve. Additionally, changes in weight distribution may cause new discomfort.

Poor Posture or Long Hours of Sitting

Sitting for long periods puts steady pressure on the lower back. Eventually, this can lead to irritation or a flare-up.

What Actually Helps Sciatica?

1. Gentle Movement (Not Bed Rest)

It may feel like lying down is the only thing that helps, but too much rest can actually make sciatica worse. Gentle movement helps reduce pressure on the nerve and improve circulation. Light walking, slow stretching, and easy mobility exercises are often the best places to start. A big part of finding real relief is understanding sciatica symptoms well enough to know which movements and stretches calm the nerve instead of irritating it.

2. Stretching Tight Muscles

Many people with sciatica have tight hip or glute muscles. Stretching these areas reduces pressure on the nerve.

Helpful stretches include:
• Seated or lying figure-four stretch
• Light hamstring stretch
• Hip flexor stretch
• Lower back rotation stretch

Move slowly and never force a stretch. Aim for gentle relief, not pain.

3. Strengthening Core and Hip Muscles

Weak core or hip muscles make the lower back work too hard. Strengthening these areas helps support your spine, reduce pain, and prevent future flare-ups.

Exercises may include:
• Bridges
• Mini squats
• Bird-dogs
• Standing hip exercises
• Gentle planks
• Wall sits

A physical therapist can tailor these exercises to your pain level.

4. Heat and Ice

Ice helps reduce inflammation in the early stages of pain. Heat relaxes tight muscles. Many people feel best using both at different times of day.

5. Improving Posture

Slouching or sitting unevenly can irritate the sciatic nerve. Keeping your feet flat on the floor, relaxing your shoulders, and supporting your lower back can make a big difference.

6. Seeing a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is one of the best resources for sciatica relief. PTs identify the true cause of the irritation — whether it’s a disc issue, a muscle imbalance, tightness, or a posture problem — and create a plan to fix it.

Your PT may use:
• Hands-on techniques
• Gentle nerve glides
• Movement training
• Strengthening exercises
• Home exercise plans
• Posture and lifting education

Most people see steady improvement within a few weeks of consistent PT care.

When to Seek Help Right Away

You should seek immediate medical care if you experience:
• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe weakness in your leg
• Intense pain that keeps getting worse
• Numbness in the groin area

These can be signs of a more serious condition and need urgent evaluation.

Conclusion

Sciatica can be painful and frustrating, but with the right approach, it is also highly treatable. As a result, many people begin to feel relief much sooner than they expect. In addition, learning what triggers your symptoms gives you the power to prevent future flare-ups. Because of this, staying active, stretching often, and working with a physical therapist can make a major difference in your recovery. Overall, the more you understand your symptoms, the easier it becomes to manage them. Finally, if your pain keeps coming back or starts getting worse, reaching out for professional help is one of the safest steps you can take.

Ready to get help with your sciatica? Call us today to be seen.