Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It can be burning, sharp or electric, and it’s often worse than the back pain that came with it. Sitting, coughing or bending forward can set it off, and it can make sleep difficult.
It’s very common, and most cases improve over weeks to a few months. Treatment helps you through that time with less pain, keeps you moving, and picks up the small number of cases that need something more.
Does this sound familiar?
- Pain that runs from the buttock down the back or side of the leg, often below the knee
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Leg pain that’s worse than the back pain
- Pain that flares when you sit, cough, sneeze or bend forward
- Finding it easier to stand or walk than to sit
- Trouble getting comfortable at night
What's usually going on
Sciatica happens when a nerve root in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed, most often by a disc bulge and sometimes by narrowing around the nerve as we get older. The nerve becomes sensitive, which is why the pain is felt in the leg even though the problem starts in the back.
The body is often good at settling this. Disc bulges can shrink over time and the nerve calms down. Many people improve a great deal within six to twelve weeks, though some take longer.
Not all leg pain is sciatica. Pain from the hip joint, the buttock or the outer hip can feel similar, so part of your first appointment is working out which it is. Our hip pain page covers those.
For a longer read, see our post on what sciatica actually means.
What can help
- Understanding what’s happening. Sciatica can be frightening. Knowing that it usually improves, and which signs to watch for, helps a lot.
- Staying as active as you can. Short walks and changing position often usually help more than long rests.
- Positions and exercises that ease the leg pain. These vary from person to person, and finding yours is one of the first things we do.
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and stiffness, alongside exercise.
- A gradual return to sitting, driving, work and sport, with a plan for what to build up and when.
If the pain is severe and not settling, your GP can talk to you about pain relief, and occasionally a referral for an injection or a surgical opinion is the right next step. We’ll tell you if we think that’s the case, and write to your GP if it helps.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes, with a physiotherapist or an osteopath. We’ll ask where the pain goes, what makes it better and worse, and how it’s affecting sleep and work. We’ll test the strength, reflexes and sensation in your legs to see how the nerve is coping, and check your back and hips.
You’ll leave knowing what we think is going on, what to do and avoid for now, and how we’ll know it’s improving. Most people have a few follow-ups a week or two apart. If anything in the examination concerns us, we’ll arrange the right onward referral.
When to see a GP or go to A&E instead
- Numbness around your bottom or genitals, or new problems with your bladder or bowels, such as being unable to pass urine or losing control. Go to A&E straight away: this can be cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent treatment.
- Sciatica in both legs at the same time.
- Weakness in the leg or foot that’s getting worse, such as a foot that drops or catches as you walk. Get seen urgently.
- Pain with a fever, unexplained weight loss, or if you’ve had cancer in the past. See your GP.
Who you'll see
Sciatica is seen here by our physiotherapists and osteopaths. Kirk Proto is a chartered physiotherapist with a particular interest in sciatica and other nerve-related symptoms, including those that come from disc problems. Corinna Towler is a chartered physiotherapist with an MSc, trained in APPI clinical Pilates. Annabelle Frost is a registered osteopath with a first-class master’s degree, who also offers medical acupuncture. Lachlan Beveridge is a registered osteopath with more than 20 years in practice.
We match each patient with the clinician whose skills best fit their problem and what they want to get back to. If you’re not sure who to book with, call us on 01444 817851 and we’ll point you to the right person.
Kirk Proto
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist
Kirk is a chartered physiotherapist who came to physiotherapy after a career in finance, graduating from the University of Brighton. He has specialist experience in rehabilitation after knee and hip surgery, and a particular interest in long-standing low back pain and nerve-related symptoms such as sciatica.
He combines soft tissue therapy, medical acupuncture and exercise-based rehabilitation, with the focus on getting you back to the things you enjoy. Outside the clinic he enjoys CrossFit and cricket.
Insurers Kirk Works With
Corinna Towler
Physiotherapist,
Restore C-section Scar Specialist,
APPI Pilates trained
Corinna is a chartered physiotherapist with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Southampton, building on an earlier qualification in sports therapy. Her background in elite gymnastics and national-level trampolining gives her a trained eye for how people move.
She is trained in APPI Clinical Pilates, medical acupuncture and RESTORE C-section scar therapy, and combines hands-on treatment with clear, progressive rehabilitation tailored to you.
Annabelle Frost
Osteopath
Annabelle is a registered osteopath who graduated from the International College of Osteopathic Medicine with a first-class Master of Osteopathy degree. A keen athlete and former osteopathy patient herself, she understands how pain and injury can affect everyday life.
She takes time to listen, explain her findings and involve you in decisions about your care. Treatment can include hands-on osteopathic techniques, myofascial release, dry needling and dry cupping, alongside advice and exercises to help you stay active.
Lachlan Beveridge
Osteopath
Lachlan is a registered osteopath with over 20 years of clinical practice and one of the founding therapists at The Health Hub. He graduated from the European School of Osteopathy and has treated everyone from office workers and athletes to people managing long-term musculoskeletal problems.
Known for his calm and considered manner, he blends hands-on techniques with advice on movement and rehabilitation. Before becoming an osteopath he worked as a professional musician and vocal coach, which gives him a particular understanding of the physical demands on performers.
Insurers Lachlan Works With
Prices and insurance
- Initial assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Many of our clinicians are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we’re often asked about sciatica.
- How long does sciatica last?
-
It varies. Many people improve a great deal within six to twelve weeks, and some take longer. The leg pain often eases before any numbness or pins and needles.
- Should I stretch my hamstrings?
-
Not necessarily. Stretching an irritated nerve can make it worse. We’ll show you movements that ease your leg pain rather than aggravate it.
- Do I need an MRI scan?
-
Usually not at first. A scan helps if symptoms are severe or not improving, or if an injection or surgery is being considered. We’ll advise if we think you need one.
- Is it a trapped nerve?
-
That’s a common way of describing it. The nerve is usually irritated and sensitive rather than trapped, which is part of why it so often improves with time and the right management.
- Can I keep working?
-
Often, yes, with some changes: breaking up sitting, adjusting your desk or car seat, or lighter duties for a while. We can give you advice to share with your employer.
- Do I need a GP referral?
-
No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If leg pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks, is affecting your sleep or work, or keeps coming back, it’s worth getting it assessed. Book online or call us on 01444 817851.
Testimonials
Latest News
Keep up to date with our latest news.
As the days grow shorter and the weather begins to...
At The Health Hub, we are always looking for ways...