What You're Experiencing

Pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down into the thigh, calf, or foot.

When to seek help: This symptom should be assessed by a physiotherapist within the next 1-2 weeks to prevent it from worsening.

Likely Causes

This symptom is commonly caused by one or more of the following conditions. A physiotherapist can identify the exact cause through a thorough assessment.

1 Sciatica (nerve compression)
2 Herniated disc
3 Piriformis syndrome
4 Spinal stenosis

What a Physiotherapist Will Do

1. Assessment

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough examination including movement tests, palpation, and posture analysis to identify the root cause of your radiating leg pain.

2. Diagnosis

Based on the assessment, they'll explain which of the likely causes applies to you and discuss the best treatment approach.

3. Treatment

Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy for immediate relief with targeted exercises to address the underlying cause. Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 sessions.

4. Home Programme

You'll receive specific exercises and advice to continue your recovery at home, helping you get better faster between sessions.

Related Conditions & Treatments

Learn more about the conditions and treatments related to this symptom:

condition Sciatica → condition Herniated Disc → treatment Manual Therapy →

Helpful Articles

Best Exercises Sciatica →Best Exercises Herniated Disc →Piriformis Syndrome Deep Buttock Pain →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is radiating leg pain always sciatica?

Not always. While sciatica is the most common cause, radiating leg pain can also come from piriformis syndrome, hip joint problems, or spinal stenosis. A physiotherapy assessment identifies the specific source and guides treatment.

Is radiating leg pain the same as sciatica?

Not always. While sciatica is the most common cause of radiating leg pain, it can also be caused by piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, or hip problems. Proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment.

Can sciatica go away on its own?

Mild sciatica may resolve within 4-6 weeks with self-care. However, physiotherapy can significantly speed recovery and prevent recurrence. Seek help if symptoms worsen or don't improve within 2 weeks.