CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN CHORLEY
Sciatica
Sciatica isn't a single condition or diagnosis. It's a term used to describe pain and other symptoms that follow the path of the sciatic nerve, often from the buttock into the leg.
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There are several possible causes. We’ll assess your symptoms, look for signs of nerve involvement and explain the most appropriate next step.
Is it really sciatica?
Pain travelling into the buttock or leg is often described as sciatica, but similar symptoms can have different causes.
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Sciatica usually involves irritation of one of the nerve roots in the low back. Pain can also arise from irritation of the sciatic nerve further along its course, while joints, muscles and other structures around the low back, pelvis and hip can produce referred pain into the buttock or leg without a nerve necessarily being involved.
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That’s why we look beyond the label and assess what may actually be causing your symptoms.
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​We’ll look at where your symptoms travel, how they behave and whether there are signs of nerve involvement. This helps us build a clearer picture of what may be happening and decide what should happen next.
Understanding what may be causing your symptoms.
Sciatica can have different causes.​
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A nerve root in the low back can become irritated, often because of a disc-related problem or narrowing around the nerve as it leaves the spine. In other cases, the sciatic nerve itself may be irritated further along its course, for example around the buttock.
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Your history and examination help us understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. We’ll look at how you move and, where appropriate, check things such as muscle strength, reflexes and sensation.
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​Imaging isn’t routinely needed for everyone with sciatica. If your examination suggests that further investigation would be useful, we’ll explain why and discuss the appropriate next step.
Knowing when something needs more attention.
Some neurological symptoms or examination findings may need further medical assessment rather than routine chiropractic care.
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If we identify anything that concerns us, we’ll explain what we’ve found and make sure you’re directed towards the appropriate next step.
How we can help.
If chiropractic care is appropriate, the approach will depend on what we find during your assessment and how your symptoms are behaving. We’ll explain the options, help you stay active where appropriate and adapt your care as you progress.
Hands-on care
Treatment may include spinal or joint manipulation, mobilisation and other manual techniques where appropriate.
Movement & exercise
We may suggest movements, exercises or gradual changes in activity to help you stay active and support your recovery.
Clear advice
We’ll explain what we think is contributing, what you can reasonably continue doing and what may be sensible to modify for a while.
Reviewing your progress
We’ll review how your symptoms are changing and adapt the approach as you improve, helping you gradually return to the activities that matter to you.