Sciatica Explained: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Sciatica is a term many people have heard, but it is often misunderstood.

People commonly use the word “sciatica” to describe pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg. While these symptoms can certainly be associated with sciatica, the term itself refers to irritation or sensitivity involving the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica can affect daily activities such as walking, sitting, exercising, working, and sleeping. Understanding the possible causes and contributing factors is an important step toward managing symptoms and improving function.

At Masnad Health Clinic, chiropractic care focuses on assessing movement, mobility, and musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to symptoms.

If you’re new to chiropractic care, we recommend starting here:

→ What Is Chiropractic Care and How Can It Help with Pain, Movement and Everyday Life?

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body.

It begins in the lower back and travels through the buttocks and down each leg.

Sciatica refers to symptoms that may occur when the nerve becomes irritated or sensitive.

People experiencing sciatica may report:

• Pain travelling into the buttock or leg
• Tingling sensations
• Numbness
• Altered sensation
• Burning discomfort
• Weakness in some cases

Symptoms vary significantly between individuals.

What Does Sciatica Feel Like?

Sciatica symptoms can present differently from typical lower back pain.

Common descriptions include:

• Sharp pain travelling down the leg
• Burning sensations
• Electric shock-like pain
• Tingling or pins and needles
• Discomfort when sitting for prolonged periods

Some people experience mostly leg symptoms, while others experience a combination of back and leg pain.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis itself.

Several factors may contribute to irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Lower Back Conditions

Changes within structures of the lower back may sometimes contribute to sciatic symptoms.

Because multiple structures can be involved, professional assessment is important.

Related reading:

→ Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

Prolonged Sitting

Many people notice symptoms become worse after extended periods of:

• Desk work
• Driving
• Travelling
• Sedentary activities

Remaining in one position for long periods may increase discomfort in some individuals.

Related reading:

→ How Sitting All Day Affects Your Spine

Reduced Mobility

Movement restrictions affecting the lower back, hips, or surrounding tissues may contribute to symptoms.

Physical Demands

Activities involving repetitive:

• Bending
• Lifting
• Twisting

may sometimes aggravate symptoms depending on the individual.

When Should You Seek Professional Assessment?

Sciatica symptoms should be professionally assessed when:

• Symptoms persist
• Pain is affecting daily activities
• Walking becomes difficult
• Symptoms continue worsening
• Numbness or weakness develops

An assessment can help identify factors contributing to symptoms and determine appropriate management options.

Related reading:

→ When Should You See a Chiropractor?

How Chiropractors Assess Sciatica

A chiropractic assessment may include:

• Discussion of symptoms
• Medical history review
• Movement assessment
• Orthopaedic testing where appropriate
• Neurological screening where appropriate

The goal is to better understand:

• Symptom behaviour
• Functional limitations
• Potential contributing factors

This helps guide recommendations and determine whether further investigation is required.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Management depends on the individual’s presentation and assessment findings.

Treatment may include:

Joint Mobilisation and Adjustments

Hands-on techniques may be used where appropriate to improve mobility and movement.

Related reading:

→ What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Soft Tissue Therapy

Treatment may address muscles surrounding the:

• Lower back
• Hips
• Pelvis

where relevant to symptoms.

Dry Needling

Dry needling may be incorporated as part of a broader management plan when appropriate.

Related reading:

→ Dry Needling, Soft Tissue Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Exercise often plays an important role in helping people improve:

• Mobility
• Strength
• Function
• Movement confidence

Long-term management typically involves more than passive treatment alone.

Related reading:

→ Exercise vs Adjustments: Why Both Matter

The Importance of Staying Active

Many people with sciatica become fearful of movement.

However, for many presentations, gradual and appropriate activity may help support recovery and maintain function.

Benefits may include:

• Improved mobility
• Increased confidence with movement
• Better physical conditioning
• Reduced stiffness

Activity recommendations should always be tailored to the individual.

Sciatica and Everyday Activities

Symptoms may affect:

• Walking
• Sitting
• Driving
• Work activities
• Exercise participation

Understanding what aggravates and eases symptoms can help guide management decisions and activity modifications.

Sciatica and Multidisciplinary Care

At Masnad Health Clinic, chiropractic care may be combined with other allied health services when appropriate.

Depending on your situation, care may involve:

• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
  
• Naturopathy
• GP referral where appropriate

This collaborative approach helps ensure care reflects the individual’s needs.

Related reading:

→ How Chiropractic Fits into a Multidisciplinary Health Plan

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

While most cases of sciatica are not medical emergencies, certain symptoms require immediate medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Significant or worsening weakness
• Severe changes in sensation
• Symptoms following significant trauma

If unsure, seek advice from a medical professional immediately.

Call to Action

If leg pain, tingling, numbness, or lower back discomfort are affecting your daily activities, our chiropractic team may be able to help.

Book an appointment online or contact Masnad Health Clinic to learn more about our chiropractic services.