Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that runs from the lower back or buttock down the leg, caused by an irritated sciatic nerve. It usually settles over weeks to months, and the right treatment and advice can make that time a lot more bearable.
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Sciatica is one of the conditions osteopaths commonly help with, and one of the most uncomfortable. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttock and down each leg, and when it is irritated or compressed it can produce a sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness or weakness anywhere along that path. The NHS says sciatica "usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but it can sometimes last longer."
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica typically affects the bottom and back of one leg rather than both. The pain can be worse when you sit, stand up from sitting, bend forward, cough or sneeze. Some people have very little back pain and mainly leg symptoms. Others have a dull back ache with occasional shooting pain down the leg. Pins and needles in the foot, or a foot that feels weak or drags, mean the nerve is more irritated and need careful assessment.
What causes sciatica?
- a bulging or prolapsed ("slipped") disc in the lower back pressing on the nerve root, the most common cause
- narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), more common with age
- a vertebra slipping slightly forward on the one below (spondylolisthesis)
- a back injury
- tight muscles in the buttock irritating the nerve as it passes through
How can osteopathy help with sciatica?
NICE guideline NG59 covers low back pain and sciatica together, and recommends that clinicians "consider manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage)" as part of a treatment package that includes exercise. The guidance is also clear about what not to do: it does not recommend traction, belts or corsets, or acupuncture for low back pain.
Abdul's first job is to work out what is irritating the nerve and how much, through a careful history and a physical and neurological examination. Treatment is then matched to that: gentle mobilisation to take load off the irritated segment, soft tissue work for the muscles that have tightened up around it, advice on positions that ease the nerve, and exercises to build up as the pain settles. Sciatica is not something to force; the aim is to calm the nerve down and keep you moving while your body does the repair.
What can I do while I wait for an appointment?
The NHS recommends:
- carrying on with your normal activities as much as you can
- regular gentle exercise and stretches for sciatica, rather than resting in bed
- a heat pack on the painful area
- asking a pharmacist about painkillers
- avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods, even if moving is uncomfortable
When should I get urgent help?
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have sciatica and:
- symptoms in both legs
- severe or worsening weakness or numbness in one or both legs
- numbness or tingling around your genitals or bottom
- difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels, if this is unusual for you
These can be signs of a rare but serious problem called cauda equina syndrome, which needs same-day hospital assessment. Otherwise, see a GP if the pain has not improved after a few weeks of self-care, is getting worse, or stops you doing your normal activities.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- Is sciatica the same as back pain?
- Not quite. Sciatica is nerve pain that travels down the leg, usually from a disc or joint in the lower back irritating the sciatic nerve. You can have it with or without back pain. It is assessed differently, because we need to know how the nerve is behaving, not just the back.
- Should I rest until it goes?
- The NHS advises carrying on with normal activities as much as you can and avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods. Gentle movement generally helps sciatica settle.
- Can an osteopath tell me what is causing my sciatica?
- An examination can usually tell us which part of the lower back is involved and how irritated the nerve is. If we think you need a scan or a specialist opinion, we will say so and write to your GP.
- Do you use dry needling for sciatica?
- Dry needling can be used alongside osteopathic treatment for the short-term relief of tight muscles in the lower back and buttock. It is not suitable for everyone, so Abdul will check your history first.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you are unsure about your symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111.
How we treat sciatica
Osteopathy
Osteopathy treatments are a form of manual medicine that treats the muscular skeletal system including muscles, ligaments, nerves, joints and problems related to its function.
Learn more →
Dry Needling
At the AOC Clinic we have an Osteopath who is also trained to provide Dry Needling. It is a treatment technique using fine needles inserted into painful knots in muscles to help decrease pain, improve mobility and function. Muscle tension and spasms are common with conditions as muscle strain and injuries, tension-headaches, lower back pain and osteo arthritis.
Learn more →
Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest methods of healing; its origins can be traced back nearly 4000 years.
Learn more →Further reading
How Osteopathy Helps Chronic Back Pain
Living with chronic back pain? See what NICE guidance actually says about manual therapy, and how an osteopath in Aberdeen can help as part of your plan.
Unveiling the Secrets: What Can An Osteopath Do To Relieve Your Back Pain?
Are you tired of the persistent ache in your back that seems to have taken up permanent residence? If you've been searching for effective solutions beyond temporary relief, it's time to book an appointment.
You’re in safe hands. But don’t just take our word for it.
Sue B ★★★★★Had treatment from Abdul and Ian who corrected the pain I had in my shoulder. Excellent practice.
Viktória K ★★★★★I highly recommend Maris to anyone in need of a physiotherapist. He went above and beyond to treat my heel inflammation, and I am incredibly grateful for his care. He is highly skilled . A true professional!
Haroon J ★★★★★I had golfer elbow pain for almost two years and I thought I had to live with it forever. Upon recommendation by a friend, I visited AOC and I could not believe that in just one session i would such a remarkable difference. The team is no less than magicians.
D ★★★★★Working in Aberdeen from London so away from my usual Osteopath. Was hoping to find a good one and this is the best I’ve ever had.
Gillian P ★★★★★I recently went to Iva for neck and back issues, after treatment on day 1 i already immediately felt amazing, i went back a week later where Iva continued to work on the problem area, 2 sessions and i feel absolutely amazing, Iva was nothing short of amazing, a lovely lady who knows her stuff and made me feel at ease. Couldn't recommend her enough. Thank you so much
Linda H ★★★★★I first visited Abdul a few years ago with numbness in my hand which I had for a long time. He quickly diagnosed the problem started from my neck and after a few sessions I was pain free. This has been maintained by regular visits. I recently had severe pain in my upper leg which Abdul managed to pinpoint and treat immediately although I had suffered on and off for months. I cannot recommend him highly enough and also the pre-treatment massages from his team. Always professional and accommodating while taking a holistic approach to treatment.
Andrew M ★★★★★I couldn’t give a better rating for Abdul and his team Traveling from Australia I hurt my back golfing. They fitted me in at very short notice and got me moving again
Jen M ★★★★★Wonderful service lovely people I cant recommend them enough I have had severe back pain for weeks I can actually move feel so much better
Ronald H ★★★★★Abdul and his team provide good treatment facilities and are very friendly and helpful.
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