Sciatica
Your Guide to Safe and Effective Sciatica Relief —
Sharp, shooting pain down the leg? Numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows a line into the calf or foot? That classic pattern is called sciatica, and it’s usually caused by irritation or compression of one or more lumbar nerve roots as they exit the lower spine.
At Marsden Park Chiropractic, we assess the exact source of your sciatica and create a personalised plan to calm the irritated nerve, restore confident movement, and reduce the chance of flare-ups.
Other
Back Pain
Neck Pain
Headaches & Migraines
Sports Injuries
Posture Problems
Slipped Disc
Workplace Injuries
Neck Pain
- Whiplash
- Non-specific Neck Pain
- Torticollis
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom pattern — pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back or buttock down the leg — most often due to lumbar nerve root compression or irritation. Common contributors include:
- Lumbar disc herniation or protrusion contacting a nerve root
- Foraminal narrowing (stenosis) that reduces the space for the nerve
- Inflammation around the nerve root after an acute disc strain
- Facet and ligamentous thickening that crowd the exiting nerve
Nerve Root Compression Vs Discogenic Back Pain
Not all disc problems pinch nerves. Many discs cause back pain without neural compression. Sciatica typically involves:
- Leg-dominant pain that can travel below the knee
- Numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in a specific distribution
- Coughing/sneezing/straining that can shoot pain down the leg
Discogenic back pain without compression is more often:
We differentiate these patterns through a careful history, examination, and, if needed, imaging. Getting the diagnosis right means you get the right plan from the start.
- Back-dominant ache
- Worse with sitting, bending, and lifting
- Better with gentle walking and upright posture
Common Signs Of Lumbar Nerve Root Involvement
- Leg pain is worse than back pain
- Pain or tingling following a narrow band into the calf/foot
- Positive nerve tension tests (For example: straight leg raise) reproduce leg symptoms
- Reduced reflexes, sensation, or specific muscle strength
- Symptoms aggravated by prolonged sitting, driving, or bending; sometimes eased by short walks
Why Does It Happen?
Sciatica is rarely one thing. It’s usually a combination:
- A disc bulge or herniation close to a nerve root
- Inflammation and chemical irritation bathe the nerve
- Reduced space in the lateral recess or foramen (stenosis)
- Guarded movement and poor load-sharing through the lumbar segments
Our Approach At Marsden Park Chiropractic
We focus on calming the nerves and helping you move with confidence again. Your plan may include:
Specific Manual Therapy
- Gentle, targeted spinal mobilisation or adjustment to improve segmental motion and reduce local irritation
- Soft-tissue work to reduce protective muscle guarding around the lumbar and hip region
Directional Preference And Movement Dosing
- Identifying positions and movements that reduce leg pain (for some, gentle extension bias; for others, flexion-friendly strategies)
- Short, frequent movement breaks to limit nerve provocation (especially if you sit or drive)
Neural Mobility And Graded Loading
- Carefully-dosed nerve glides where appropriate
- Progressive reintroduction of hinge/squat/lift patterns so you can get back to everyday tasks safely
Day-To-Day Strategy
- Seat height, lumbar support, and micro-break coaching
- Sleep positions that offload the irritated segment/nerve
- Pacing guidance for walking and return to exercise
We continually adapt techniques to your comfort; If you prefer low-force care, instrument-assisted options (For example: ArthroStim/Activator) and drop-piece methods are available.
When Imaging Or Referral Is Considered
- If symptoms are severe, progressive, or not improving as expected
- If neurological deficits (significant weakness, reflex changes) are present
- If red flags appear
Expected Recovery
- Many acute nerve root irritations improve meaningfully over 2–6 weeks
- Disc herniations commonly shrink and become less inflammatory over months
- Early, confident movement strategies generally outperform prolonged rest
- Consistency beats intensity: small, regular steps get you there faster
Frequently Asked
Do I Always Need An MRI?
Not usually. We consider imaging if it would change management (For example: severe deficits, red flags, or plateau despite appropriate care).
Is Sciatica Dangerous?
Most cases are not dangerous and recover with conservative care. Seek urgent attention for red flags like bladder/bowel changes or rapidly worsening weakness.
Should I Stop Exercising?
Avoid pain-provoking loads early on, but keep gently active. We’ll guide you on safe progressions.
Can Chiropractic Care Help A Pinched Nerve?
Yes. By improving segmental motion, reducing local inflammation, and guiding movement strategy, many people experience reduced leg pain and restored function.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let sciatica keep dictating your day. We’ll pinpoint the source, calm the nerves, and help you move and live more confidently.
- Book your New Patient Examination at Marsden Park Chiropractic
- We’ll provide a clear diagnosis, a personalised plan, and practical steps you can start on day one
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