The First Week with Sciatica: What to Do and What Not To
Fizyoterapist Aydın Ali · 30 July 2026 · 1 min read
When sciatica starts suddenly, many clients don't know what to do in the first days — some retreat to complete bed rest, others ignore the pain and try to carry on as normal. Neither is ideal.
Why complete bed rest isn't recommended
Prolonged inactivity doesn't speed recovery — it can prolong it, by adding muscle weakness and joint stiffness on top.
Why going straight back to normal can also be too soon
Persisting with movements that trigger the pain, such as sitting bent forward for long periods, can increase inflammation.
A sensible approach in the first week
Continuing daily activity gradually, through movements that don't noticeably increase the pain, gives a better result than either bed rest or pushing through.
When is assessment needed?
If the pain lasts longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of strength, physiotherapy assessment shouldn't be delayed.
Fzt. Aydın Ali guides your process from the first week of sciatica with the right approach in Bursa Nilüfer. You can book an appointment.
