Understanding Sciatica
If you have ever felt a sharp, shooting pain travelling from your lower back down the back of your leg, you may be suffering from sciatica - a common condition affecting millions of people. We see patients with this problem in the clinic regularly.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn't a condition itself, but a set of symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from your lower spine through the buttocks and down both legs.
When compressed or irritated, usually by a herniated disc or spinal misalignment, the sciatic nerve can cause:
Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back to the leg
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness on one side
Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods
What causes Sciatica?
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal misalignment or partial dislocation
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Piriformis syndrome - when a muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve
Poor posture, obesity, prolonged sitting and even pregnancy can increase your risk.
How we can help:
We target the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Every patient's treatment is personalised to their specific needs but may include:
Adjustments - gental manipulation to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve pressure and promote healing
Soft tissue therapy - targeted massage and myofascial release to ease muscle tension and improve circulation
Postural & movement correction - guidance on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future flare-ups
Therapeutic exercises - simple guided stretches and strengthening exercises to stabilise the spine and support recovery.
When to make an appointment:
If your pain:
Radiates down one leg
Gets worse when you cough or sneeze
Persists for more than a few days
Causes numbness or weakness
Our mission is always to help you feel your best - naturally and safely.
