Sciatica
Leg pain with a proper explanation.
Few things rattle people like pain that runs down the leg. The word sciatica gets thrown around loosely, so the first job is working out what is actually going on in your case.
What sciatica actually is
True sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually felt as pain, tingling, or numbness running from the low back or buttock down the leg. But plenty of leg pain that gets called sciatica is actually referred pain from joints or muscles, which behaves differently and responds to different care. Telling these apart is the point of a thorough first assessment.
How we approach it
A careful examination first, because the pattern matters: where it travels, what wakes it up, what settles it. Then hands-on care and a staged plan to calm the irritation and rebuild the capacity of the back and hips. Most nerve-related leg pain improves well with conservative care and time, and we track progress honestly rather than stringing visits along.
When we refer instead
Certain patterns need a GP or specialist rather than a chiropractor: progressive weakness, changes to bladder or bowel control, or symptoms that keep worsening despite care. We screen for these at the first visit and we will tell you straight if your situation needs a different pathway.
This page is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment or medical advice. Suitability and results vary from person to person, and we will refer you on if appropriate. Dr Tim White (Chiropractor).