If you’ve ever experienced sharp, shooting pain down your leg, numbness in your lower back or a constant ache in your hip, you might be dealing with sciatica. It’s one of the most common causes of leg and back pain and can seriously impact your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. So let’s explore what sciatica is, what causes it, and how chiropractic and osteopathic care can help.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms – which fall under the umbrella term of sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica can vary from person to person, but common symptoms often include:
- Pain that travels from your lower back or buttocks down your leg
- A sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the leg
- Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting, sneezing, or coughing
The pain is usually worse on one side of the body and can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, sciatica can interfere with your daily activities, making it difficult to sit, walk, sleep, or even work.
Common causes of sciatica
Sciatica symptoms are typically caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Some of the most common causes of sciatic nerve compression include:
- Herniated or slipped discs – When the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on a nerve
- Degenerative disc disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs over time can lead to nerve compression
- Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves
- Piriformis syndrome – A tight or inflamed piriformis muscle (located deep within the buttock region, specifically beneath the gluteus maximus) can also compress the sciatic nerve
Other risk factors include age, obesity, certain occupations, and a history of lower back pain.
How chiropractors and osteopaths can help
While sciatica may resolve on its own, it takes time to do so. NICE guidelines (GP guidelines) for sciatica recommend manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage) alongside exercise as part of a treatment package for managing low back pain with sciatica. As musculoskeletal specialists, chiropractors and osteopaths are well positioned to assess, diagnose and treat and help alleviate sciatica, or nerve pain, often targeting spinal issues that compress the sciatic nerve. Every treatment plan is tailored to individual needs, whether you’re in the middle of a flare-up or looking for long-term prevention.
Tips for managing sciatica at home
There are also several things you can do at home to manage sciatica symptoms and support your recovery:
- Gentle stretching – Regular stretching of the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Hot and cold therapy – Applying heat can relax tight muscles, while cold packs can reduce inflammation
- Keep moving – Avoid prolonged sitting or lying down; light activity like walking can help keep your spine mobile
- Watch your posture – Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Avoid slouching or crossing your legs
- Mind your lifting – Bend at the knees and use your legs to lift heavy objects and avoid twisting your back
We hope these tips help if you’re suffering with sciatica, but if your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a few weeks, or worsen over time, it’s important to seek professional care.