How can a chiropractor help with sciatica?

Sciatica can be a painful and frustrating nerve condition, affecting your daily life and mobility. If you’re struggling with discomfort, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our friendly team is here to support you with gentle, natural, and non-invasive ways to help manage and improve your symptoms.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve (one of the largest nerves in the body) becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve is formed from several roots that start at the lower spine before travelling down each leg. A common cause of irritation is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower back, abnormal joint movement, trauma and degenerative processes which can put pressure on the nearby nerves, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Do I have sciatica?

Many people with sciatica describe symptoms such as:

• Pain in the buttocks or leg, which may worsen when sitting
• Burning or tingling sensations down one or both legs
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty using the leg or foot
• Sharp, shooting pain that makes standing or walking difficult
• Pain that is aggravated by actions like coughing, sneezing or sudden movements

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone. Sciatica is common, especially in people in their 40s and 50s. In the UK, around 40% of people are affected by sciatica at some point in their lifetime.

To confirm a diagnosis, we’d always recommend consulting a professional. It’s important to know what your condition is before you proceed with a treatment.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica can be triggered by a variety of factors:

• Herniated or bulging discs putting pressure on the nerve
• Spinal misalignment or joint dysfunction
• Muscle tension, particularly in the lower back and hips
• Prolonged sitting or poor posture
• Injury or trauma to the lower back

Understanding the root cause of your sciatic pain can help determine the best way forward.

How can chiropractic care help?

Our chiropractors focus on improving spinal and muscular function, which helps to reduce muscle tightness and nerve irritation. By assessing your posture, movement, and alignment, we can create a plan tailored to your needs. Many patients find that chiropractic care is a helpful way to manage discomfort from sciatica. Treatment can be combined with k-laser therapy, which is a safe, comfortable and non-invasive technique to promote tissue repair and cell regeneration. 

Since every case is unique, the best way to find out how we can help you is to schedule a consultation with our team. We are here to answer any questions and guide you through your options.

Self-care tips for sciatica relief

In addition to professional care, there are simple steps you can take at home to help ease sciatic pain.

Maintain Good Posture
Sitting for long periods can put extra strain on your lower back. Keeping your spine aligned and using proper lumbar support can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Incorporate Gentle Stretching and Mobility Exercises
Stretching the lower back, hips, and legs can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Simple exercises like gentle yoga or walking may also support recovery.

Avoid Prolonged Inactivity
Staying in one position for too long can worsen stiffness and pain. Try to move regularly throughout the day, even if it’s just light stretching or short walks.

Wear Supportive Footwear
Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on your lower back and legs.

Making small adjustments to your daily routine can have a big impact on how you feel.

What to expect at your first chiropractic visit

Your first visit is all about understanding your symptoms and finding the best approach to help you feel better. We will start with a conversation about your pain, medical history, and lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your condition. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include:

• A range of movement tests
• Posture and spinal assessment
• Sensory, motor, and reflex testing
• Orthopaedic and neurological evaluations

This thorough assessment helps us understand the condition of your nervous system, muscles, and joints. Your consultation will last around 40 minutes, giving us time to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

Get in touch

If sciatic nerve pain is making daily life difficult, we are here to help. Whether you are looking for answers or relief, our team is happy to support you.

Give us a call on 01603 414740 to book a consultation, or request a call back via our online form, and let’s take the first step towards getting you feeling better.