Sciatica is simply pain in the areas that the sciatic nerve innervates, generally the back of the leg. It does not give a diagnosis of the cause of this pain, it is simply a description of the symptoms. Common causes of sciatica are disc protrusions in the lower back, facet joint inflammation, irritation to the sciatic nerve anywhere along its path (neural tension), tightness in the piriformis and other hip muscles that rotate the hip joint (piriformis syndrome), pelvic muscle imbalances, and degenerative changes in the spine or hip. Sciatica generally takes longer to resolve than simple low back pain and treatment should start early for a better outcome. Common treatments inclyde manual therapy and manipulation, acupuncture/dry needling, myofascial release and specific exercises to relax muscles and mobilise the nerve tissue. If you are have sciatica, book an appointment with e-physiotherapy Edinburgh.