Sciatica & Low Back Pain

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What is it?
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain which starts in the low back or buttock and travels
down the leg into the foot. It occurs when a large nerve which travels from the low back
into the foot, called the sciatic nerve, is compressed or irritated. This compression can come
from a variety of sources in the back and can be identified by seeking help from one of our experienced Bath Chiropractor and Physiotherapy team.
It’s also important to note that there are a variety of causes of low back, buttock and leg
pain other than sciatica. If you’re unsure of what’s causing your pain, our clinicians at
Physioimpulse can help in identifying the cause of your discomfort.

What symptoms could suggest sciatica?

• Pain which originates in the low back or buttock and travels into the foot
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Loss of muscle strength in the lower part of the leg or foot

How will my Bath Chiropractor diagnose sciatica?
Typically, a chiropractor will be able to determine the presence of sciatica through your
symptoms and testing of the nerves, joints and muscles in the lower limb. These tests are
non-invasive, and your clinician will explain what they’re doing as they go. In some cases a
clinician may decide to refer you for a scan, however recent evidence has proved that a scan
isn’t always essential for an accurate diagnosis of sciatica.

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​How can sciatica be treated in clinic?

• Manual therapy techniques administered by your chiropractor or physiotherapist  to reduce discomfort and stiffness
• Tailored advice on how you can adapt your activities of daily living to reduce theimpact sciatica has on your daily life
• Exercise rehabilitation to support your body’s recovery
• Education on the associated risk factors to aid recovery and reduce the risk of reoccurrence

What can I do in the meantime to reduce my chance of developing back pain and sciatica?
The latest evidence tells us that keeping active, eating a varied and balanced diet to
promote overall health, and abstaining from smoking are some of the key factors in
reducing our chances of suffering with low back pain or sciatica.
Interestingly, we’ve also learnt through research that walking appears to be the gold
standard exercise type in preventing and treating generalised low back pain. However, if
you’re unsure of what other types of exercise can help treat low back pain or sciatica, or
​have any additional questions or concerns with your low back pain, give us a call and one of
our clinician’s will happily help guide you.

Bath Chiropractic
​ 01225 683007