Conditions

Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom which describes pain going down one or both legs. On this page you will find more information about this common symptom.

Overview

Sciatica is a common symptom and is described as nerve like pain going down one or sometimes both legs. This is often mistaken for a diagnosis in and of itself, however there are a variety of reasons a person can experience leg pain. Some of those will involve a nerve called the sciatic nerve which comes from the lower back and travels all the way down the leg and into the big toe, hence the term sciatica. However, there are several conditions which can mimic sciatic nerve pain which in actual fact come from other structures all together. Part of the process of working on this symptom comes from identifying the underlying cause of the pain.

Causes

There are many causes of sciatica, some of the ones involving the sciatic nerve are:

  • Lumbar disc bulge or herniation: Discs in the lower back bulge or herniate, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.

  • Facet joint sprain: Sprains in the facet joints of the spine can lead to inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve.

  • Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can push the sciatic nerve against the bones of the pelvis which can cause pain.

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Degenerative disc disease

Leg pain that can mimic a sciatic nerve pain can also come from referred pain from gluteal muscles or sacroiliac joints. This is where the aggravated tissue causes pain to be felt in other areas of the body, in this case down the leg.

Treatment

The treatment options depend very much on the cause of the sciatica. The first step is to identify what condition is causing the leg pain which involves a full history and examination. If there is pressure on the nerve, then chiropractic treatment aims to take the pressure off and work on the secondary problems that come from the pain. This can include treatment modalities such as spinal manipulative therapy (also known as adjustments), mobilisation of the lumbar spine, soft tissue techniques and acupuncture. The treatments used will be tailored to your individual needs.

FAQs

  • If you are experiencing leg pain down both legs, and you have either numbness in the inner thighs and bottom or have lost control of either your bladder or bowl, seek emergency medical treatment immediately as this could indicate a serious problem. If you are unsure, call NHS24.

  • Yes, other symptoms can include weakness felt around the ankle or knee and numbness or tingling down the leg. Some people also find their back pain gets worse with worsening lower back pain as well.

  • The best and easiest way to book your appointment is to book online. You will be able to see all the available appointments at a glance making it simple to find a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or phone here.

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