Can Osteopathy Help With Sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain. The sciatic nerve is a big nerve (about the size of an adult’s pinkie) that controls the function of the leg. It passes from a number of vertebrae in your lower back, traverses through your buttocks, close to a big muscle here called the Piriformis and then down into your leg and breaks into branches that end in your foot.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down one leg. It’s not a condition itself, but a symptom caused by issues such as:

• A herniated or bulging disc
• Spinal joint dysfunction
• Muscle tightness (especially in the glutes or piriformis)
• Postural imbalances
• Pelvic misalignment or sacroiliac joint restriction

What causes Sciatica?

It is caused by pressure.

That pressure can be in the form of a disc hernation, a Piriformus (buttock muscle) spasm, bony spurs around where the nerve exits the vertebral column, arthritis of the back joints, or inflammation.

Symptoms

Normally, it is a burning pain or deep ache that is felt in the buttock, thigh, calf and ends in the foot. The pain may vary from mild to extremely painful and may exist with or without lower back pain. Pins and needles and/or numbness can accompany the pain.

It can be aggravated by coughing, sneezing, straining on the toilet or lifting.

What are the risks?

Fortunately, most cases resolve slowly over 4-12 weeks.

Signs to look out for are leg weakness, especially when walking, and the inability to bend the ankle or lift the toe.

Conditions that require immediate medical attention are rare. However, if you experience heaviness in both legs, numbness in the saddle area (the area your body comes in contact with when sitting on a saddle), or loss of bladder or bowel control, you need to contact a GP urgently.

How Osteopathy Can Help?

Osteopathy can be an effective, non-invasive approach to easing sciatica pain by improving body mechanics, reducing tension, and supporting natural recovery. It’s often used alongside exercise therapy, physiotherapy, or medical treatment for a comprehensive approach. Osteopathic treatment aims to:

• Reduce nerve compression by improving mobility in the spine, pelvis, and surrounding tissues
• Relax tight muscles (such as the piriformis or hamstrings) that may be aggravating the nerve
• Restore balance and alignment in the body to prevent recurring strain
• Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage to support healing and reduce inflammation

Common osteopathic techniques may include:

• Gentle spinal mobilisations and manipulations
• Myofascial release and soft-tissue therapy
• Stretching and guided exercises
• Postural and ergonomic advice

What is treatment?

Position of comfort and varying this- lying all the time is generally not ideal. It is best to break this time up with moving around as best as you can.

Medication-Normally, in the initial acute phase, medication is required to help cope with the pain.

Manual therapy: After examination and questioning, your Osteopath may perform specific gentle work, which may help your body calm down and get through the acute phase. This treatment is often accompanied by advice regarding posture, exercise, etc.

Investigation: Your osteopath will guide you, based on your presentation, as to whether CT Scans or MRI Scans are required.