By Sumaiya Farheen and Andrew Siyabalawatte, Feb 2023.

What triggers sciatica flare ups?

Sciatica flare ups are typically due to sudden lifestyle changes, for example changing from a standing job to a sitting environment. Sitting or standing in one position for too long and poor stress management.

Though arguably, the most significant trigger is the cause of the sciatic symptoms in the first place. For example, a structural and functional issue such as a disc bulge or muscle imbalance. Book our unique two step assessment to identify the cause of your sciatica flare up.

Where is The Sciatic Nerve located?

The sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body, is located in the lower spine, supplying the lower back, legs and foot. Injury, surgery, and conditions like Type 1 Diabetes can adversely impact the sciatic nerve.

What causes sciatica flare ups?

A tight piriformis muscle, a herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.

Various conditions, including spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) and spondylolisthesis (displacement of a neck or lower back bone), can cause sciatica flare-ups.

The most common symptoms of sciatica flare-ups

Common symptoms include moderate to severe lower back, buttock, and leg pain.

Numbness or weakness may occur in the lower back, buttock, leg, or feet, and movement can often exacerbate pain.

Moderate to severe lower back, buttock, and leg pain. Numbness or weakness may occur in the lower back, buttock, leg, or feet. Movement often exacerbates pain, and individuals may experience a “pins and needles” sensation in the legs or toes.

In severe cases, loss of bowel and bladder control may occur, linked to cauda equina syndrome resulting from sciatic nerve compression.

How is Sciatica treated on the NHS?

Treatment for sciatica on the NHS may involve targeted exercises, stretches, and prescribed pain relief medications

In terms of treatment, for sciatica on the NHS may involve targeted exercises, stretches, and prescribed pain relief medications.

Our Two-Step Spinal Assessment Promotion is crafted to aid in identifying the cause of back pain and addressing it effectively.

What massage treatments can be used for sciatica flares up?

Deep tissue massage is a deep form of massage that uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release tension from your muscles and connective tissues.

Book with our skilled Massage Therapists by clicking here

How does a chiropractor treat sciatica flare ups?

A chiropractor can adjust your spine in a way that increases spinal movement, which improves spine function and decreases pain.

Chiropractic care is effective in alleviating lower back pain. Our osteopath can identify and treat areas of compensation, potentially reducing or eliminating issues that may arise from it. Book with one of our practitioners today

Dry needling relieves the tension in soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia.

Dry needling stimulates blood flow to the area, thereby soothing pain.

To alleviate sciatica associated with lumbar stenosis, dry needling reduces tightness in spinal muscles, thereby lessening compression on vertebrae and the sciatic nerve.