Sciatica & Slip Disc Physiotherapy in LB Nagar

What Sciatica Is and What Causes It

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself. The most common causes include:

Herniated (slip) disc — the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on a nerve root. This is the single most common cause in patients under 50.
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal, more common in older adults, which compresses the nerves.
Piriformis syndrome — the piriformis muscle in the buttock tightens and irritates the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath.
Degenerative disc disease — age-related changes that reduce disc height and alter spinal mechanics.

The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. Some patients also feel numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected leg.

How We Assess Nerve Pain

At your first visit, Dr Sirish or a member of the team will carry out a detailed assessment. This includes:

A history of when and how the pain started, and what makes it better or worse.
Neurological tests — reflexes, sensation and muscle power in the leg — to identify which nerve root is involved.
Movement tests such as the straight-leg raise to reproduce your symptoms in a controlled way.
Posture and lumbar-spine assessment to understand the mechanical factors contributing to your pain.

If your symptoms suggest a serious cause, we will refer you for imaging (MRI) or to a specialist. Many patients, however, can start physiotherapy based on the clinical assessment alone.

Treatment Plan and Home Exercises

Treatment is tailored to the direction and severity of your disc problem. A typical plan includes:

Directional-preference exercises — specific movements (often extension-based) that help centralise the pain, meaning it moves from the leg back toward the spine. This is a positive sign that the disc is responding.
Nerve glides and mobilisation — gentle techniques to improve the sciatic nerve’s ability to slide freely through surrounding tissues.
Core stability work — progressive strengthening of the deep stabilisers that support the lumbar spine and reduce the load on the disc.
Manual therapy — joint mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques to reduce muscle guarding and improve spinal movement.
Home exercise programme — you will receive a set of exercises to perform daily between sessions. Consistency with these exercises is the single most important factor in recovery.

Physiotherapy or Surgery: What the Evidence Says

Large studies show that most patients with sciatica from a herniated disc recover with physiotherapy and time. Surgery may produce faster initial pain relief, but long-term outcomes at one to two years are often similar between surgical and non-surgical groups. Surgery is generally recommended when:

There is progressive muscle weakness in the leg.
Bladder or bowel function is affected (this is a medical emergency — see below).
Pain has not responded to at least 6 to 12 weeks of structured physiotherapy.

Your physiotherapist and doctor will discuss the options with you based on your specific findings.

Emergency Signs — Go to a Hospital

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following alongside sciatica:

Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle area).
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate.
Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs.

These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires emergency surgery. Do not wait — go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sciatica be treated without surgery?

In many cases, yes. Research shows that the majority of sciatica episodes improve with conservative treatment including physiotherapy, exercise and pain management. Surgery is usually considered only when there is significant neurological deficit or when symptoms have not responded to several months of structured physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist and doctor will guide you on the best path.

How long does sciatica take to settle?

Mild to moderate sciatica often improves noticeably within 4 to 6 weeks of starting physiotherapy, though some patients need 8 to 12 weeks. Severe or chronic cases may take longer. Consistent attendance and completing your home exercise programme are the biggest factors in recovery speed.

Which exercises should I avoid with sciatica?

Generally, avoid heavy dead-lifts, deep forward bends, sit-ups on a flat surface and any movement that significantly increases your leg pain. Your physiotherapist will give you a personalised list based on the direction of your disc problem. Some movements that seem risky are actually safe when performed correctly — guidance matters more than blanket rules.

Can you visit me at home if walking is hard?

Yes. We offer home-visit physiotherapy across East Hyderabad and beyond. If you are in acute pain and cannot travel to the Kothapet clinic, call us on +91 81430 15455 to arrange a visit. Our therapist will bring portable equipment and start your treatment at home.

Sciatica and Slip Disc Physiotherapy in LB Nagar, Hyderabad