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Sunderland Integrated Musculoskeletal Service

Sciatica - back and leg pain

Sciatica is a pain that travels from your lower back or buttock down the leg to your foot. 

It usually occurs when the nerve, as it leaves the spine, becomes irritated by touching against a disc, or wear and tear changes in the spine narrow the tunnel in which the nerve runs. Swollen muscles, joints or ligaments can also irritate the nerve causing sciatica. 

The sciatic nerve runs from the back, into the buttock, down the back of the leg and around to the outside of the lower leg and foot. Although the underlying problem is most commonly in the back, pain, pins and needles or numbness may be experienced throughout the leg and on occasions not in the back at all.  

A range of exercises for the back and leg helps to manage and settle the pain.

Whilst the nerves from the lower back supply the legs certain nerves supply the bladder and bowel. It is very important to make sure that you have no such problems. Click here for more information

Related Conditions

Related Information

Patient Information - Sciatica Facts

Patient Information - Back Facts

Patient Information - Cauda Equina Syndrome

Exercises to help with Sciatica – Back and Leg Pain

Lumbar back - Knee Rolls

You can do this exercise on the floor or in bed if you feel more comfortable, lie on your back with your knees bent up and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your upper body relaxed and your chin gently tucked in roll your knees from side to side as far as you feel comfortable going.

Lumbar back - Knee Hugs

Lie on your back with your knees bent, lift your knees towards your chest and place your hands around your knees and draw them towards your chest.

Lumbar back - Pelvic tilts

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Tilt your pelvis forwards and backwards by arching the small of your back off the bed then pressing the small of your back onto the bed.

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