Sciatica is a term that many people are familiar with , often used to describe pain in the buttock or leg but the term is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom. Understanding the underlying cause of the irritation is important so that the right treatment can be administered.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and travels through the buttocks and into each leg, splitting into two separate nerves at the knee and stopping at the feet. It is the longest nerve in the body and it can be irritated or compressed anywhere along its route from the lumbar spine to the calf.
When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can result in a range of symptoms — commonly referred to as “sciatica.” These may include:
- Sharp or shooting pain down the leg
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods
However, it’s crucial to understand that these symptoms can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, such as:
- A herniated or slipped disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Postural imbalances or muscular tension
Simply labelling the pain as ‘sciatica’ doesn’t reveal the true cause — which is where a more holistic, structural approach can make a difference.
The Osteopathic Approach to Sciatica
Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic therapy that focuses on how the body’s structure influences its function. Rather than just treating symptoms, osteopaths aim to understand and address the underlying dysfunction that may be contributing to sciatic nerve irritation.
As an osteopath, I will carry out a detailed assessment of your posture, spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles and joints. Because sciatica can result from a wide range of biomechanical or structural issues, this full body approach is essential.
Osteopathic treatment for sciatica may include:
- Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension and improve joint mobility
- Soft tissue techniques to reduce inflammation and ease nerve compression
- Postural advice and exercises to support long-term recovery and prevent recurrence
- Education on movement patterns and lifestyle habits that could be contributing to the issue
A Symptom That Needs the Right Questions
Because sciatica is a symptom, the key to effective treatment lies in asking the right questions: Why is the sciatic nerve being irritated? What is the body trying to compensate for? Where is the dysfunction originating?
Osteopathy looks beyond the pain to answer these questions, helping the body return to balance and restore natural function. It’s not just about temporary relief… it’s about long-term resolution.
If you’ve been told you have sciatica, it’s important to remember that this is a starting point, not a final answer. Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment. With its whole body perspective and hands-on techniques, osteopathy can be a valuable tool in your journey to recovery.
If you’re experiencing sciatic pain, consider booking an appointment with me to explore what might be at the root — and how your body can be supported to heal naturally. Click Book Here for an appointment in WIncanton.