Sciatica is caused by pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and extends down each leg, supplying sensation and movement to the lower body. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc in the spine. When a disc in the lower back bulges or ruptures, it can press on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, numbness or tingling sensations that radiate down the leg.
Other causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, and degenerative disc disease, where the discs in the spine break down over time. Additionally, muscle imbalances or tightness in the pelvis, particularly in the piriformis muscle, can also place pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica is common because the sciatic nerve is so large and spans a wide area of the body, making it susceptible to pressure from a variety of issues in the lower back, pelvis or legs. Furthermore, the prevalence of conditions like poor posture, lack of exercise and age-related disc degeneration makes sciatica a widespread problem. As people age or lead sedentary lifestyles, the risk of developing sciatica increases.
If you haven’t been able to treat your sciatica effectively, there could be several reasons why. One common issue is that sciatica is often treated with generic methods, like painkillers, stretching or ice and heat which only provide temporary relief. While these treatments may alleviate symptoms for a short time, they don’t address the underlying cause of the nerve compression or irritation. Without a clear diagnosis of what’s causing the pressure on the sciatic nerve, it’s difficult to offer a targeted treatment plan.
Another reason could be that sciatica is complex, with multiple potential causes, including herniated discs, muscle imbalances or spinal stenosis. If the wrong cause is addressed, the pain may return. Additionally, many people don’t seek professional care soon enough or delay treatment, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms.
If left untreated, sciatica can lead to more severe consequences. Persistent nerve compression can result in chronic pain, muscle weakness and numbness, making it harder to move or perform daily activities. Over time, this can cause muscle atrophy and limit mobility. Early intervention is key to avoiding these complications.
In terms of treatment in the clinic, it would depend on the cause of the problem, which is why we need to specifically diagnose what’s causing the pressure on the sciatic nerve. We often use spinal manipulation and adjustments to improve movement, decompress the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves. This approach helps restore the spine’s natural alignment, enhancing its ability to heal itself.
We also use Shockwave Therapy, which can be applied to the spine to help with pain relief. This treatment uses sound waves to promote healing by stimulating blood flow and easing muscle tension. Additionally, we offer traction therapy, where we use traction devices to relieve pressure on the spine. This method gently stretches the spine, helping to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility.
Alongside these treatments, we may recommend targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, helping to support it and prevent future issues. In some cases, we may advise lifestyle changes such as improving posture or incorporating movement throughout the day to avoid further strain on the sciatic nerve.
We have a variety of treatment options available, but the goal is always the same: to restore function to the spine, relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain so patients can return to their normal activities and improve their overall quality of life.
If you’re ready to end your back pain, here are a few options we offer to help you get started.
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Another option is to arrange a free telephone consultation with me. During this call, we’ll discuss the exact causes of your back pain, and I’ll provide personalised advice to help you understand what’s going on. This consultation allows us to explore possible solutions and
determine if we can get your pain under control. It’s a great way to start without any commitment, just clear advice to guide you forward.
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As a back pain expert in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, I support the community through talks, events, and online tips. Many patients experience life-changing results, and my work has been featured in Health Expert News, recognising my commitment to non-invasive care.