Common Symptoms

• Lower back pain radiating to one or both legs

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation along the leg

• Muscle weakness in the leg

• Pain worsens while sitting, bending, or lifting

Goals of Physiotherapy

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Improve spinal alignment and posture

• Restore nerve gliding and mobility

• Restore muscle strength and functional activities

Physiotherapy Treatments

1. Pain Relief Techniques

• Ice/Heat Therapy: To reduce pain and muscle spasms

• TENS: For pain modulation and nerve irritation control

• Soft tissue massage and gentle mobilization

2. Nerve Gliding Exercises

• Sciatic nerve mobilization to reduce compression and irritation

• Leg raises and neural stretches depending on symptoms

3. Stretching Exercises

• Stretch hamstrings, gluteal, and lower back muscles

• Improve hip flexor and lumbar spine mobility

4. Strengthening Exercises

After pain control:

• Strengthen core and paraspinal muscles

• Strengthen lower limb muscles and perform functional exercises

• Maintain posture and spinal stability

5. Postural and Ergonomic Training

• Modify workstation and daily activities to prevent recurrence

• Maintain correct posture and spinal alignment

Frequency and Duration

• Physiotherapy sessions 2–5 times per week depending on severity

• Daily adherence to a home exercise program is essential

• Functional recovery is usually achieved within 4–12 weeks depending on nerve involvement