Part 3 in our sciatica series
Sciatica can feel very different from general back or leg pain because it involves irritation of the sciatic nerve, the body’s longest and thickest nerve. The symptoms are often distinctive and can be quite crippling.
If you’re reading this because someone you know has sciatica, don’t underestimate how disabling the pain can be when it’s at its worst.
Common descriptions of sciatic pain include:
- Sharp or shooting pain – often compared to an electric shock
- Burning or searing pain – particularly in the buttock, thigh, or calf
- Tingling or pins and needles – especially in the foot or toes
- Numbness – which can affect parts of the leg or foot
- Deep, aching pain – sometimes felt in the hip or back of the leg
If you’re getting any of these symptoms it would be sensible to see an osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor or GP.
More on symptoms
For some people, the pain starts in the lower back and travels all the way down to the foot. For others, it may be localised in the buttock or thigh. You may also feel:
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or bending
- Discomfort that eases when standing or lying flat
- Weakness or heaviness in the leg
Symptoms may come and go or stay constant, and they often vary depending on posture, movement, and the underlying cause. Some people describe their leg as feeling “dead,” “heavy,” or “unreliable.”
At The Ashgrove Clinic, our team listens closely to how you describe your symptoms. It’s important for us that we understand exactly how your pain feels, and what makes it better or worse. This helps us identify whether your sciatic nerve is involved and where the irritation is occurring.
Osteopathy and physiotherapy are effective in treating irritated nerves, improving joint and muscle function, and supporting long-term recovery. IDD therapy can be used if the symptoms are extreme.
For more information about sciatica see our sciatica page with recommendations for treatment, and our IDD page for help if the pain is very extreme.