You know that electric jolt that zips from your lower back down your leg?
That numb tingle when you sit for too long?
That sharp, stabbing pain when you try to stand up straight?

Yep. That’s sciatica — and no, it’s not just a nerve “acting up.”

At Sports Life Work, we see loads of clients come in after Googling their symptoms and landing on the word sciatica. But what most people don’t realise is that sciatica isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis — it’s a symptom, not the actual problem.

Let’s break it down, in simple, no-fuss terms.

So… What Actually Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. It starts in your lower back and runs all the way down the back of each leg.

But here’s the key: sciatica isn’t just about the nerve. It’s about what’s causing the nerve to freak out in the first place.

Think of your sciatic nerve like a road. The traffic jam isn’t the road’s fault — it’s the lorry blocking the way, the accident on the junction, or the pothole that’s messing up the flow.

In sciatica, those “roadblocks” can include:

• A tight muscle pressing on the nerve (like the piriformis)

• A herniated or bulging disc in the lower spine

• Poor posture or movement habits that stress the lower back

Common Signs of Sciatica

Not sure if what you’re feeling is sciatica? Here are a few telltale signs:

• Sharp, shooting pain that runs from your lower back or bum into your leg

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in your leg or foot

• Weakness or difficulty moving your leg

• Pain that gets worse when you sit, cough, or sneeze

The pain can come and go. Or it can stick around for weeks. Either way — your body’s giving you a heads up that something’s off.

“Do I Just Rest It?”

Short answer? Nope.
Long answer? Rest might feel good for a few hours or days, but it won’t solve the root cause.

In fact, too much rest can make things worse — the muscles get tighter, the nerve stays irritated, and you feel even more stiff and sore when you try to move again.

That’s why we take a completely different approach at our Glasgow Sports Therapy Specialist clinic. We focus on gentle, guided movement that helps calm the nerve, improve mobility, and get you back to doing the things you love.

How We Treat Sciatica at Sports Life Work

Every case of sciatica is different — because every body is different.

Here’s what you can expect with our Personalised Sports Injury Treatment:

• A full movement assessment to find out what’s actually causing your pain

• Hands-on therapy to release tight muscles and calm down irritated areas

• Strengthening and mobility exercises tailored to your body

• Advice on posture, desk setup, sleep positions, and daily habits

• A long-term plan to prevent sciatica from coming back

And no — we don’t just chuck you on a machine and walk away. We actually work with you every step of the way.

Whether your sciatica is new or something you’ve lived with for years, we help you take control of it — without relying on painkillers or endless rest.

Why It Matters

Sciatica can feel frustrating, scary, even exhausting when it lingers. But it doesn’t have to take over your life.

The pain isn’t your enemy — it’s just a signal.
And when you get the right support, it becomes a turning point, not a setback.

At Sports Life Work, our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to your everyday life without that nerve pain running the show.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

If you’re dealing with sciatic pain, don’t just mask it — let’s fix it at the root.
Book in with our team for Injury Rehabilitation in Glasgow and let’s get started on a plan that actually works for you.

👉 Reach out to the team or pop into our Glasgow Health and Wellness Centre. We’re here to help you move forward — literally.