Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Treatment in Marlborough

What Exactly is the Sciatic Nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. It begins in your lower back, runs through your hips and buttocks, and branches down each leg. It is the "main highway" for signals between your brain and your lower limbs, controlling your ability to walk, run, and feel sensations.

What is Sciatica? (And What It Isn’t)

"Sciatica" is not a diagnosis in itself; it is a description of symptoms. It occurs when the nerve roots in your lower spine are compressed or irritated.

Common causes include:

Disc Bulges: Often called a "slipped disc," where the inner material of a spinal disc presses on the nerve.
Degeneration: Bony growths (bone spurs) related to wear and tear.
Inflammation: Chemical irritation from nearby joint sprains can cause pain to radiate down the leg even without direct compression.

Is Your Leg Pain Actually Sciatica?

At Marlborough Chiropractor Clinic, we see many patients who believe they have sciatica, but their pain is actually coming from a different source. During your assessment at our clinic on The Parade, we look for these specific "True Sciatica" indicators:

Radiation: Pain that travels past the knee into the calf or foot.
Neurological Signs: Numbness, "pins and needles," or weakness in the foot (such as difficulty lifting your toes).
One-Sided: Sciatica almost always affects only one leg at a time.
Aggravators: Pain that spikes when you cough, sneeze, or sit for long periods.

Conditions Often Mistaken for Sciatica

Because leg pain is complex, it is easy to misdiagnose. Our chiropractors perform specific orthopaedic tests—like the Straight Leg Raise or Braggard’s Test—to rule out:

Piriformis Syndrome: When a small muscle in the buttock spasms and pinches the nerve.
SI Joint Dysfunction: Inflammation where your spine meets your pelvis (pain usually stops at the knee).
Hip Arthritis: Referred pain that often sits in the groin but can mimic leg pain.
Trigger Points: Tight "knots" in the gluteal muscles that send referred pain down the thigh.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Sciatica

If you are suffering from sciatica in Marlborough or Swindon, you don't have to rely solely on painkillers. Our evidence-based approach focuses on removing the mechanical pressure on the nerve.

Our treatment plan typically includes:

Spinal Mobilisation: To improve the movement of the vertebrae and reduce disc pressure.
Soft Tissue Therapy: To release compensatory muscle tension in the glutes and hamstrings.
Rehabilitation: Bespoke exercises to strengthen your "core" and protect your discs.
GP Liaison: If your symptoms don't improve, we can refer you back to your GP for imaging (like an MRI) or further specialist investigation.

Get Relief from Sciatica Today

Don't let leg pain limit your mobility. Our team at Marlborough Chiropractor Clinic is here to provide a clear diagnosis and a path to recovery.