What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and down each leg.
When the nerve is irritated, you may experience pain along its pathway. Symptoms can include:
- Pain in the lower back or buttock
- Pain travelling down the leg
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness
- Weakness in the affected leg
Sciatic pain can vary considerably from person to person. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others may have more significant pain that affects their everyday activities.
The NHS explains more about sciatica symptoms and causes if you’d like to understand the condition in more detail.
What Causes Sciatica?
There are several possible causes of sciatica.
One of the most common is a herniated or slipped disc, where part of a disc in the spine presses against or irritates a nerve.
Other possible causes include age-related changes within the spine, such as narrowing around the nerves.
Sometimes, however, it isn’t immediately obvious what has caused the irritation.
This is why getting your symptoms properly assessed can be useful, particularly if your pain is persistent or affecting your ability to carry out normal activities.
Can Staying Active Help?
When you’re experiencing pain, your first instinct might be to rest completely.
However, prolonged bed rest isn’t generally recommended for sciatica. The NHS advises continuing normal activities as much as possible and avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods. (NHS)
Gentle movement can help you maintain mobility while your symptoms settle.
Depending on your symptoms, this could include:
- Walking
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Changing position regularly
- Returning gradually to normal activities
- Following an appropriate rehabilitation programme
If you’re unsure what exercises are suitable, it’s worth getting professional advice rather than pushing through exercises that make your symptoms worse.
What Treatment Is Available for Sciatica?
There isn’t one treatment that works for everyone with sciatic pain.
At Bodycare Chiropractic, treatment begins with an assessment to understand your symptoms and how they’re affecting your movement and daily life.
Depending on your individual needs, your treatment plan may involve a combination of hands-on treatment, movement advice and rehabilitation.
This could include chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulative therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
You can learn more about chiropractic care and how it may form part of a wider approach to managing musculoskeletal pain.
Why Is Exercise Important?
Exercise and rehabilitation can be particularly useful when you’re returning to normal activity following an episode of sciatica.
Rather than focusing solely on the painful area, a rehabilitation programme can be tailored around your individual movement, strength and activity levels.
At Bodycare Chiropractic, rehabilitation and exercise can form part of a personalised treatment plan where appropriate.
The aim isn’t necessarily to avoid movement because something hurts. Instead, your practitioner can help you understand how to gradually build your confidence and tolerance for movement.
How Long Does Sciatica Take to Improve?
Sciatica doesn’t follow exactly the same timeline for everyone.
Many cases improve within several weeks, although symptoms can sometimes last longer. Recovery can depend on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms and individual circumstances.
It’s important not to become frustrated if your recovery isn’t completely linear. Some days may feel better than others as you gradually return to normal activities.
If your symptoms aren’t improving or are significantly affecting your everyday life, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.
When Should You Get Help?
Most cases of sciatica aren’t considered a medical emergency, but certain symptoms require urgent assessment.
Seek urgent medical help if you develop symptoms such as:
- Sciatica affecting both sides
- Severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs
- Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
These can be signs of a more serious problem and require immediate medical assessment. (NHS)
For less urgent symptoms, it’s still worth speaking to a healthcare professional if your pain is getting worse, isn’t improving or is stopping you from doing your normal activities.
Managing Sciatica Long Term
If you’ve experienced sciatica before, you may understandably worry about it returning.
There isn’t always a way to completely prevent future episodes, but maintaining regular movement, building strength and gradually returning to the activities you enjoy can all be useful parts of looking after your back.
Your treatment plan should be based on your individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
If you’re experiencing ongoing sciatic pain and want to discuss your symptoms, you can contact Bodycare Chiropractic to arrange an assessment.
You can also meet the team and learn more about the practitioners you’ll be seeing.