Condition profile · Back & Lumbar
Sciatica (radiculopathy)
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg, sometimes to the foot, often with pins and needles or numbness. It comes from irritation of a nerve root of the sciatic nerve, most often by a herniated disc.
It is alarming, but in the vast majority of cases it improves within a few weeks. Staying active, adapting your positions and following guided rehab speed up recovery; strict bed rest slows it down.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness between the legs: go to the emergency department or call 144
- Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse (the foot catches the ground)
- Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- Unbearable pain that nothing relieves
Common causes
- Compression of a nerve root: disc herniation, stenosis, or more rarely piriformis syndrome
Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the lower back into the leg, sometimes down to the foot
- Numbness
- Possible weakness
Timeline
How long does sciatica last?
Leg pain often eases before pins and needles, which can last a few weeks longer. Slow but steady progress is reassuring.
- Most painful phase
- 1 to 3 weeks
- Clear improvement, in most cases
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Persistent sciatica: medical review and imaging
- beyond 3 months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: complete clinical and neurological assessment by the physiotherapist. MRI with Dr Massimo Donalisio to identify the precise cause.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy and physical preparation adapted to the identified cause
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: targeted injection if pain does not resolve with conservative treatment
Rehab
Treating sciatica with physio
- 01
Ease the pain
Find the positions and movements that relieve it, stay active at your own pace, walk a little several times a day.
- 02
Free up movement
Back and nerve mobility exercises chosen according to your symptoms: the aim is to bring the pain back up from the leg towards the back.
- 03
Strengthen
Core, glutes and legs, progressively, to support the back and regain confidence in movement.
- 04
Get back to your activities
A gradual return to work, lifting and sport, with a programme to continue at home.
Exercises
Exercises to relieve sciatica
Walking
10 to 20 minutes several times a day, at your own pace: one of the best exercises early on.
Prone press-up
Lying on your front, gently rise onto your forearms and breathe for 30 seconds, if it eases the leg. Stop if the pain moves further down.
Nerve glide
Sitting, straighten your leg while lifting your head, then bend it while lowering your head, gently. 10 repetitions, without forcing.
Glute bridge
On your back with knees bent, lift your hips and hold for 3 seconds. 3 sets of 10, when the pain allows.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Returning to sport after sciatica
- Leg pain gone or very mild
- Normal strength and sensation in the leg
- Core and strength work done without bringing the pain back
- A gradual return, starting with walking, cycling or swimming
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about sciatica
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
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Same area
Other conditions treated: back & lumbar
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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