Sciatica describes pain, numbness, or tingling that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the leg. It affects approximately 40% of people at some point in their lives and can range from a mild ache to debilitating pain that interferes with standing, sitting, and walking.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sharp or shooting pain
Running from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg to the foot.
Burning sensation
Often in the thigh or calf — may feel like a hot poker running through the leg.
Numbness or tingling
In the leg, foot, or toes — often described as "pins and needles".
Weakness
Leg or foot weakness — difficulty lifting the foot (foot drop) in severe cases.
Worse when sitting
Sustained sitting increases disc and nerve pressure — many find standing provides relief.
One-sided
Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body at a time.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis — it results from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or its roots. The most common causes:
Lumbar disc herniation
Most commonA disc bulge at L4/L5 or L5/S1 presses on nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal. Often caused by prolonged sitting, poor lifting mechanics, or age-related degeneration.
Piriformis syndrome
CommonThe piriformis muscle (deep in the buttock) tightens and compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes beneath or through it. Common in runners and those with hip problems.
Spinal stenosis
Older adultsNarrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerve roots. Often causes bilateral symptoms and is associated with age-related degeneration.
Spondylolisthesis
Less commonForward slippage of one vertebra over another. Can narrow the exit for nerve roots.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Often missedSI joint inflammation or instability can mimic sciatica by irritating the S1 nerve root.
How Chiropractic Treats Sciatica
Chiropractic has a strong evidence base for lumbar disc-related sciatica. A 2010 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found 60% of patients with sciatica who received chiropractic manipulation had the same degree of pain relief as those who underwent surgery. Dr Kelly takes a thorough diagnostic approach:
- 1
Full neurological assessment: dermatomal sensory testing, deep tendon reflexes, muscle strength testing, SLR (straight leg raise) test.
- 2
Orthopaedic tests to identify the level and cause of nerve compression.
- 3
Targeted lumbar adjustments to decompress the relevant nerve root and restore joint mobility.
- 4
Piriformis and hip flexor soft tissue therapy to reduce secondary nerve compression.
- 5
McKenzie-based directional preference exercises to centralise and reduce disc symptoms.
- 6
Referral for MRI if surgical opinion may be needed (cauda equina, severe/progressive symptoms).
⚠️ Cauda Equina Syndrome — Call 999 Immediately
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care if sciatica is accompanied by:
- •Loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine
- •Numbness or tingling in the "saddle area" (inner thighs, genitals, buttocks)
- •Progressive weakness in both legs
Don't live with sciatica
Book your assessment with Dr Kelly — £37 initial consultation.