Back Pain

🟦 Sciatica & Nerve Pain Treatment in Gorey

Sciatica is one of the most common forms of lower back and leg pain we treat at Physio Solutions in Gorey.

It causes pain travelling from the lower back into the leg and can be very uncomfortable and sometimes worrying, especially when symptoms include tingling, numbness or weakness.

πŸ‘‰ You can also visit our Back Pain Treatment page for a broader overview of lower back pain.
πŸ‘‰ If you have been told you have a disc bulge or β€œslipped disc”, you may also want to read our Disc Injury page.


What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your buttock and into your leg.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself β€” it describes symptoms, and the underlying cause can vary.


Symptoms of Sciatica

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain travelling into the leg
  • Sharp, burning, or shooting pain
  • Tingling or pins and needles
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

Symptoms often worsen with sitting, bending, or certain movements.


What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by:

  • Disc-related irritation in the lower back
  • Joint stiffness
  • Muscle tension affecting the nerve
  • Increased sensitivity of the nervous system

In many cases, symptoms are related to how the back and nervous system are functioning rather than a single structural problem.


Do You Need a Scan (MRI)?

Most people with sciatica do not need a scan.

Disc bulges are very common and do not always cause pain. A physiotherapy assessment is usually the best way to understand your symptoms.


Treatment for Sciatica

Treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing nerve irritation
  • Restoring movement
  • Improving strength and control

Early Stage

  • Reduce pain and irritation
  • Restore gentle movement

Recovery Phase

  • Improve spinal mobility
  • Reduce nerve sensitivity

Strength Phase

  • Improve strength and control
  • Reduce recurrence risk

Exercise for Sciatica

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments and may include:

  • Mobility exercises
  • Nerve gliding exercises
  • Strengthening work
  • Walking and aerobic activity

Hands-On Treatment Options

Treatment may include:

  • Spinal mobilisation
  • Soft tissue therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Laser therapy

These are used alongside exercise for best results.


When Should You Seek Treatment?

Seek physiotherapy if:

  • Pain is travelling into your leg
  • Symptoms are not improving
  • You have numbness or tingling
  • Daily life is affected

Book a Sciatica Assessment

If you are experiencing sciatica or nerve-related pain, physiotherapy can help you understand the cause and guide your recovery.

πŸ“ž Call: 053 9489830
πŸ‘‰ Book: Initial Physiotherapy Appointment


Related Conditions

  • Back Pain Treatment
  • Disc Injury / Slipped Disc
  • Trapped Nerve in the Back
  • Back Pain When Sitting or Driving


🟧 Disc Injury / β€œSlipped Disc” Treatment in Gorey

Disc injuries are a common cause of lower back pain and sciatica.

Despite the term β€œslipped disc”, the disc does not actually slip out of place.

πŸ‘‰ Visit our Back Pain Treatment page for general back pain information.
πŸ‘‰ If symptoms travel into your leg, also see our Sciatica page.


What Is a Disc Injury?

Between each spinal bone are discs that act as shock absorbers.

A disc injury may involve:

  • Disc bulge
  • Disc protrusion
  • Disc herniation

Pain can come from irritation, inflammation, or nerve sensitivity.


Symptoms

  • Lower back pain
  • Pain into the leg
  • Tingling or pins and needles
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

Symptoms often worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting.


What Causes Disc Injuries?

  • Repetitive bending or lifting
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Sudden increases in activity
  • Reduced strength or conditioning
  • Age-related changes

Do You Need a Scan?

Most people do not need an MRI.

Disc changes are common even in people without pain.


Treatment

Treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing pain
  • Restoring movement
  • Building strength

Phases

  • Early: pain relief and gentle movement
  • Recovery: mobility and nerve calming
  • Strength: rebuilding resilience

Exercise

  • Mobility work
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Directional movements
  • Gradual return to activity

Book an Appointment

πŸ“ž 053 9489830
πŸ‘‰ Initial Physiotherapy Appointment


Related Conditions

  • Sciatica
  • Back Pain Treatment
  • Trapped Nerve
  • Sitting/Driving Back Pain


🟨 Back Pain When Sitting or Driving

Back pain when sitting or driving is extremely common and often linked to prolonged postures.

πŸ‘‰ Visit our Back Pain Treatment page for full overview.


Why Does Sitting Cause Pain?

Sitting increases load on the lower back and may lead to:

  • Joint stiffness
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Reduced movement
  • Increased sensitivity

Why Driving Makes It Worse

  • Longer static posture
  • Limited movement
  • Road vibration
  • Poor seat support

Symptoms

  • Lower back stiffness
  • Pain when standing up
  • Discomfort during long drives
  • Tightness in the back

Is It a Disc Problem?

Not always.

It may be caused by:

  • Muscle fatigue
  • Joint stiffness
  • Postural strain

If pain travels into the leg, see our Sciatica page.


Treatment

  • Improve mobility
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Build tolerance to sitting

Practical Tips

  • Take regular breaks
  • Change position often
  • Stay active during the day
  • Adjust seating posture

Book Assessment

πŸ“ž 053 9489830
πŸ‘‰ Initial Physiotherapy Appointment



πŸŸ₯ Trapped Nerve in the Back

A β€œtrapped nerve” is a common description for nerve irritation in the back.

πŸ‘‰ Visit our Back Pain Treatment page for more context.
πŸ‘‰ If pain travels into the leg, see Sciatica page.


What Is a Trapped Nerve?

Usually refers to irritation or sensitivity of a nerve caused by:

  • Disc issues
  • Joint stiffness
  • Muscle tightness

Symptoms

  • Sharp or shooting pain
  • Pain into leg or buttock
  • Tingling or pins and needles
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

Causes

  • Disc irritation
  • Joint stiffness
  • Muscle spasm
  • Nerve sensitivity

Is It Serious?

Most cases are not serious and improve well with treatment.


Treatment

  • Reduce nerve irritation
  • Restore movement
  • Improve strength
  • Gradual return to activity

Book Appointment

πŸ“ž 053 9489830
πŸ‘‰ Initial Physiotherapy Appointment



🟩 Facet Joint Pain (Back Pain with Movement)

Facet joint pain is a common cause of localised lower back pain.

πŸ‘‰ Visit our Back Pain Treatment page for general overview.


What Is Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joints are small joints in the spine that help guide movement.

Pain occurs when they become irritated or stiff.


Symptoms

  • Localised lower back pain
  • Pain when bending backwards
  • Stiffness after sitting
  • Pain with twisting

Unlike sciatica, pain usually does not travel far down the leg.


Causes

  • Sudden movement
  • Repetitive strain
  • Poor mobility
  • Age-related changes

Treatment

  • Improve joint movement
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Strengthen supporting muscles

Exercise

  • Mobility work
  • Stretching
  • Strength training
  • General activity

Book Appointment

πŸ“ž 053 9489830
πŸ‘‰ Initial Physiotherapy Appointment

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