Personalised treatment to relieve sciatic nerve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery and daily function.
What You Need to Know About Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica, also known as radicular pain, occurs when a spinal nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
This can cause pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. It is often more noticeable in the leg than in the back.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain travelling down the leg
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in parts of the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in more severe cases
The exact pattern of symptoms depends on which nerve is affected.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can develop for a number of reasons, most commonly involving irritation or pressure on a nerve in the lower back.
Common causes include:
- Disc prolapse or disc irritation
- Narrowing around the nerve (foraminal stenosis)
- Age-related changes in the spine
- Inflammation around the nerve
Although symptoms can be uncomfortable, many cases improve with conservative treatment.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Sciatica can feel worrying, particularly when symptoms travel into the leg or foot.
However, in most cases, it does not indicate serious damage. Pain is often linked to nerve sensitivity rather than permanent injury.
It is common for symptoms to change over time, and for pain levels to vary depending on movement, posture and activity.
How We Treat Sciatica
Treatment is tailored to your individual presentation and focuses on reducing irritation around the nerve while improving movement and function.
Your care may include:
- Osteopathy to improve spinal movement and reduce pressure on the nerve
- Medical acupuncture to help manage pain and muscle tension
- Personalised rehabilitation to restore strength and control
- Advice on movement, activity and recovery strategies
Our aim is to help you return to normal activities as comfortably and safely as possible.
Supporting Your Recovery
Recovery from sciatica often involves a gradual return to movement and activity.
We focus on helping you:
- Reduce sensitivity around the nerve
- Improve movement confidence
- Build strength and resilience
- Avoid unnecessary fear of movement
Staying active within your limits is an important part of recovery, and we will guide you through this process.
When Further Investigation May Be Needed
In some cases, additional investigation or referral may be appropriate, particularly if symptoms are severe or not improving.
We will advise you if further input is required and ensure you are guided appropriately.
