What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts in the lower spine, passes through the hips and buttocks, and runs down each leg.
When the sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it can cause a mix of pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the leg. While sciatica itself is a symptom rather than a condition, it’s often linked to underlying issues in the spine or surrounding muscles.
Common Symptoms
People with sciatica may notice:
- Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg
- A sharp, burning, or electric-like pain rather than a dull ache
- Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending forward
If you’re experiencing severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden worsening symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can result from a range of issues affecting the lower spine and pelvis, such as:
- Disc problems – herniated or bulging discs placing pressure on nerve roots
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis – one vertebra slipping forward over another
- Piriformis syndrome – a tight piriformis muscle in the buttock compressing the sciatic nerve
- Postural strain – prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or repetitive lifting placing stress on the spine
Other contributing factors can include pregnancy, being overweight, reduced core strength, or occupations that involve heavy lifting or long hours of sitting.
How Chiropractors May Help
Chiropractors use a range of techniques to help manage sciatica, depending on the cause and presentation. The goal is to reduce irritation of the nerve, improve mobility, and support healing.
Chiropractic care for sciatica may include:
- Spinal adjustments to improve movement and alignment in the spine
- Gentle mobilisations to ease restricted joints
- Soft tissue techniques for tight muscles that may be contributing to nerve irritation
- Stretching and exercise advice to build strength, improve posture, and prevent recurrence
- Lifestyle recommendations to support recovery, such as ergonomics, movement breaks, and posture tips
Many people find that chiropractic care not only relieves their leg pain but also improves their overall spinal health and mobility.
What to Expect at Your Visit
On your first visit, your chiropractor will take a thorough history and perform an examination to understand the cause of your symptoms. If needed, you may be referred for imaging to rule out other conditions.
A tailored care plan will then be discussed with you. Your treatment will always be personalised - no two cases of sciatica are exactly the same.
Can Sciatica Be Prevented?
While not every case of sciatica can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Keep active and avoid prolonged sitting
- Strengthen your core and back muscles
- Use correct lifting techniques
- Maintain good posture at work and home
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If sciatica is affecting your daily life, don’t wait for it to worsen. Chiropractic care may help address the cause of your pain and get you moving again.
Book an appointment today and let’s work together to support your recovery and spinal health.
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