Sciatica in Torremolinos

What sciatica is and why it hurts in your leg

“Sciatica” is not a diagnosis in itself but a description of a symptom: pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back or buttock down the back or side of the thigh, and sometimes as far as the calf and foot. It may come with tingling, an electric-shock sensation, numbness or loss of strength.

The most common cause is irritation of a lumbar nerve root, often from a disc herniation or bulge, although it can also be due to narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) or other structures that sensitise the nerve. Not every buttock pain that travels down the leg is true sciatica: sometimes it is pain referred from a joint, a muscle or the hip, and the treatment changes accordingly.

The good news is that sciatica usually follows a favourable course: in many people it improves gradually over weeks or a few months with well-directed conservative care. Staying active within what you can tolerate, understanding what is going on and following a tailored exercise programme usually works better than prolonged rest.

At Centro Ubud, treatment is led by physiotherapists. We examine sensation, reflexes and strength, assess neural mechanics and, when it adds useful information, use ultrasound to look at structures such as the sciatic nerve as it passes through the buttock.