How Can I Tell If My Pain Is Sciatica?
Sciatica has a distinctive pattern that makes it recognisable, though it can sometimes be confused with other conditions. Here are the key signs.
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How to Recognise Sciatica
Radiating Leg Pain
Sciatica typically presents as pain starting in the lower back or buttock and radiating down one leg. The pain may be sharp, shooting, burning, or electric in character.
Usually One Leg
Sciatica typically affects one leg rather than both. If both legs are affected, seek urgent medical assessment as this may indicate a more serious condition.
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, and sometimes weakness, are common sciatica symptoms alongside the radiating pain.
Where the Pain Goes
L4 nerve root: outer thigh and shin. L5: outer calf and top of the foot. S1: back of the calf and sole or outer edge of the foot.
Classic Sciatica Aggravating Factors
Prolonged Sitting
Sciatica typically worsens with prolonged sitting, particularly in low soft seats that round the lower back.
Coughing and Sneezing
Coughing, sneezing, or straining increases pressure on the nerve and typically worsens sciatica pain momentarily.
Bending Forward
Forward bending increases disc pressure and typically worsens disc-related sciatica.
Walking
Walking can either help or worsen sciatica depending on the cause. Spinal stenosis typically worsens with walking and improves with sitting.
⚠️ Pain affecting both legs equally, loss of bladder or bowel control, or unexplained weight loss with back pain requires urgent medical assessment. These are not typical sciatica presentations.
How Chiropractor Norwich Confirms Your Diagnosis
The only way to be certain of your diagnosis is through a proper clinical assessment. At Chiropractor Norwich, the examination includes neurological testing, nerve tension tests, and the Zone Technique assessment to identify the exact cause of your leg pain.
What Our Patients Say
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sciatica typically presents as pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down one leg. It may be sharp, shooting, or burning. Numbness and tingling in the leg or foot are common. It usually affects one leg rather than both.
Sciatica involves pain along the sciatic nerve path, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Some patients have mostly buttock pain with little leg pain, while others have mainly leg and foot symptoms.
Yes. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg or foot are common sciatica symptoms alongside the radiating pain. The location of numbness depends on which nerve root is compressed.
No. Book directly at Chiropractor Norwich online or by calling 07904 184524. We carry out a full neurological assessment on your first visit.
Get Your Sciatica Properly Assessed
Book your assessment at Chiropractor Norwich. £65 includes neurological testing, Zone Technique evaluation, and treatment on the same visit.