If you’ve ever experienced pain shooting down your leg, you’ve probably heard the term “sciatica”. It’s one of the most common reasons people seek care for lower back and leg pain.
One of the biggest misconceptions about sciatica is that it doesn’t tell you what is actually causing the problem. Sciatica simply describes pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. It doesn’t explain why that irritation has occurred.
The sciatic nerve can become irritated for a number of reasons, including a lumbar disc injury, age-related changes in the spine, narrowing around the nerves, inflammation, or muscle tension. Understanding the underlying cause is an important first step because it helps determine the most appropriate approach to care.
At Ignite Chiropractic, every consultation begins with a thorough assessment to help determine where your symptoms are coming from and to develop an individualised plan based on your presentation.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back, travels through the buttock and down the back of each leg into the foot.
When the nerve becomes irritated it may cause:
• Pain travelling into the buttock or leg
• Tingling or pins and needles
• Numbness
• Burning or electric shock-like pain
• Muscle weakness
• Symptoms that worsen with prolonged sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people notice a dull ache through the buttock, while others experience pain, tingling or numbness all the way to the foot. The pattern of your symptoms often provides important clues about the underlying cause.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not the underlying cause. Common causes include lumbar disc injuries, degenerative changes, spinal stenosis, inflammation around the nerve and, less commonly, muscle or soft tissue irritation. Other conditions can also mimic sciatica, which is why a thorough assessment is important.
Although the list of possible causes may seem overwhelming, the good news is that many people improve with the right care and time. The key is understanding what’s driving your symptoms before deciding on the best approach. This is why a thorough assessment is such an important first step.
Can You Have Sciatica Without Back Pain?
Yes. Although many people with sciatica also experience lower back pain, it is possible to have symptoms mainly in the buttock or leg with very little discomfort in the back itself. This is why the location of your symptoms is only one piece of the puzzle.
Why a Thorough Assessment Matters
No two people with sciatica present exactly the same way. Some symptoms begin after lifting, others develop gradually. Some are constant, while others only occur with sitting, walking or certain movements.
At Ignite Chiropractic we take the time to understand how your symptoms began, how they have changed, what aggravates them and how they are affecting your daily life. Your history is combined with a physical examination to build a clearer picture of what is contributing to your symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
Your assessment is tailored to you and may include:
• Posture and movement
• Spinal range of motion
• Muscle strength
• Reflexes
• Sensation
• Balance and coordination
• Nerve tension testing
• Walking pattern
• Joint function
If you have already had imaging, it is considered alongside your examination findings rather than in isolation.
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Sciatica?
Many people with sciatica choose to see a chiropractor to help improve their symptoms and better understand what’s causing them.
For many people, chiropractic care may help improve movement, reduce mechanical irritation of the affected nerve, and support the body’s natural recovery. Because sciatica can have a number of different causes, the first step is understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms.
Following a thorough assessment, we’ll explain our findings, discuss how chiropractic care may help, and develop an individualised plan based on your examination findings, goals, and the underlying cause of your symptoms.
When Is Further Investigation Needed?
Seek prompt medical assessment if you experience:
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness around the saddle region
• Significant or rapidly worsening leg weakness
• Severe pain following major trauma
• Fever, unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms alongside back pain
If your assessment suggests further investigation is appropriate, we’ll discuss this with you and communicate with your GP or other healthcare provider where needed.
Understanding the Cause Comes First
Sciatica can be painful and frustrating, but understanding what is contributing to your symptoms is the first step towards making informed decisions about your care.
If you’re experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness travelling into your leg, a thorough assessment can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery depends on the underlying cause and varies from person to person.
In many cases, gentle movement is preferable to prolonged bed rest, although advice should always be individualised.
Not everyone requires imaging. Your history and examination will guide whether further investigation is recommended.
Many people choose chiropractic care to help improve their symptoms and better understand what is contributing to them.
