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Sciatica Treatment in Cardiff

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by irritation or sensitivity of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg.

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Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself, but a collection of symptoms that may develop when structures in the lower back irritate or place pressure on the nerve. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant leg pain affecting walking, sitting, sleep, and daily activities.

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At The Cardiff Chiropractors, we provide evidence-informed chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and movement-based treatment approaches to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

  • Pain travelling from the lower back into the buttock or leg

  • Sharp, burning, or shooting leg pain

  • Tingling or pins and needles

  • Numbness in the leg or foot

  • Weakness in the leg

  • Pain when sitting for long periods

  • Symptoms aggravated by bending or lifting

  • Difficulty walking comfortably

  • Lower back stiffness or discomfort

 

Sciatica usually affects one side, although symptoms can occasionally affect both legs.

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What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can occur when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or sensitised.

 

Common causes may include:

  • Disc irritation or disc bulges in the lower back

  • Joint stiffness or inflammation

  • Muscle spasm around the lower back or pelvis

  • Degeneration of the spine

  • Prolonged sitting

  • Repetitive bending or lifting

  • Reduced physical conditioning

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Sciatica?

Chiropractic care aims to help improve movement, reduce sensitivity, and support recovery through a combination of hands-on treatment, traction with our specialised flexion-distraction bench and rehabilitation strategies.

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Treatment for sciatica may help by:

  • Reducing lower back and leg pain

  • Improving spinal and joint mobility

  • Reducing muscle tension and stiffness

  • Supporting nerve mobility and function

  • Improving movement confidence

  • Helping return to normal activities

  • Supporting long-term spinal health and resilience

 

Treatment is tailored to the individual based on symptoms, mobility, and overall function.

What To Expect During Your Assessment

Your initial consultation will involve discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. We will assess your posture, movement, strength, mobility, and nerve-related symptoms to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic treatment

  • Joint mobilisation or manipulation where appropriate

  • Rehabilitation exercises

  • Mobility and flexibility work

  • Postural and ergonomic advice

  • Movement and walking strategies

  • Core and spinal strengthening

  • Load management guidance

Our approach focuses on helping you move more comfortably and confidently while supporting long-term recovery.

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