What Is Sciatica?

True sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve or its roots in the lower back. This usually causes:

• Pain that travels down the buttock and leg
• Tingling, pins and needles or numbness
• Possible weakness in the leg or foot
• Symptoms often worse with certain movements, coughing or sitting

Not all leg pain is sciatica. Sometimes similar symptoms can be caused by hip problems, tight gluteal muscles, SI joint irritation or other local structures. That’s why an accurate assessment is so important.

Why Sciatica Happens

Sciatica often develops when something affects how the nerve moves or is loaded, such as:

• Disc-related irritation
• Joint inflammation or swelling
• Narrowing of spaces where nerves exit (foraminal stenosis)
• Muscular compression or tension around the nerve
• Prolonged sitting or awkward positions
• Previous back injuries

Our goal is to identify what’s driving your symptoms and how we can safely reduce irritation.

Your Sciatica Assessment

During your visit, your chiropractor will:

• Take a detailed history of your back and leg symptoms
• Assess your lower back, pelvis and hip mobility
• Perform neurological tests (strength, reflexes, sensation)
• Use specific orthopaedic tests to differentiate sciatica from other causes of leg pain
• Consider your work, lifestyle and activity demands

This helps us determine whether your symptoms are likely to respond well to conservative care, or whether you may also need imaging or medical input.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica

Once we understand the cause of your symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

• Gentle spinal and pelvic adjustments to improve movement and reduce local irritation
• Manual therapy and soft-tissue techniques for tight or protective muscles around the lower back, hip and glutes
• Nerve mobility exercises to help the nerve glide more freely
• Targeted rehabilitation exercises for core, hip and leg strength
• Education and activity modification to reduce aggravating loads and support recovery

We’ll explain everything clearly and progress your plan as your symptoms improve.

When to Seek Urgent Care

You should seek urgent medical attention (GP or emergency department) if you notice:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region
• Sudden, severe back pain after significant trauma

If any of these are present, we’ll help direct you to the most appropriate care.

Book Your Sciatica Assessment

If leg pain, tingling or nerve-like symptoms are affecting your daily life, a clear assessment is the best next step.

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Book your appointment online with Midland Chiropractic Care and let’s work out the cause and a plan forward.

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