Sciatica is a type of lower back pain that is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Lower back pain can be caused by various factors, including strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or discs of the lower back, as well as conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease.

Physiotherapy for sciatica and lower back pain typically involves a combination of exercises, manual therapy techniques, and pain management strategies to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Exercises may include stretches, strengthening exercises, and low-impact activities. Manual therapy techniques may include massage, joint mobilization, and traction. Pain management strategies may include heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

The goal of physiotherapy for sciatica and lower back pain is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future episodes of pain. Referred pain such as sciatica is a type of pain that is felt in a part of the body that is different from the actual source of the pain. For example, pain in the left arm may be referred from a problem in the heart, or pain in the jaw may be referred from a problem in the teeth or gums. This happens because the nerves that transmit pain signals from different parts of the body can sometimes converge or overlap in the spinal cord and brain, causing confusion in the brain about the origin of the pain.

Referred pain can be a useful diagnostic tool for doctors, as it can help them identify the underlying cause of the pain. However, it can also be a source of confusion for patients, who may not realize that the actual source of their pain is not where they are feeling it.