Knowledge Hub • Conditions • Sciatica
The Complete Guide to Sciatica
Sciatica in Pretoria East: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Quick Answer
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, usually in the lower back. Symptoms often include pain travelling from the buttock down the back of the leg, together with tingling, numbness or weakness. Many cases improve with conservative care such as exercise, activity modification and manual therapy, while severe cases may require further medical investigation or specialist treatment.
If you've ever experienced a sharp, burning pain that starts in your lower back or buttock and travels down your leg, you may be experiencing sciatica.
Sciatica isn't a condition in itself—it's a symptom that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating symptoms that interfere with walking, working and sleeping.
At Bornman Chiropractic in Moreleta Park, Dr Jaco Bornman regularly assesses patients from across Pretoria East with sciatica and other causes of lower back and leg pain. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate treatment.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is formed by several nerve roots in the lower spine before travelling through the buttock and down each leg to the foot.
When one or more of these nerve roots becomes irritated or compressed, pain can radiate along the nerve's pathway. This is known as sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy.
Importantly, sciatica is not a diagnosis. It is a symptom indicating that something is affecting one of the nerves in the lower spine.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the nerve irritation but commonly include:
- Pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock
- Pain travelling down the back or side of the leg
- Burning or electric shock-like pain
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in the foot or leg
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods
- Increased pain when coughing or sneezing
Many people experience symptoms on only one side of the body.
What Causes Sciatica?
Several conditions can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve.
Herniated Disc
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging disc. When the soft centre of a spinal disc presses against a nearby nerve root, pain can radiate into the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
As we age, the spinal canal can narrow, placing pressure on the nerves leaving the spine.
Degenerative Changes
Normal age-related wear and tear of the spine may contribute to nerve irritation.
Spondylolisthesis
This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, sometimes compressing nearby nerves.
Piriformis Syndrome
In some people, the piriformis muscle in the buttock may irritate the sciatic nerve, producing symptoms similar to true sciatica.
Injury
Falls, sporting injuries and heavy lifting can sometimes trigger inflammation or nerve compression.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Sciatica?
Risk factors include:
- Prolonged sitting
- Repetitive lifting
- Physically demanding work
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Increasing age
- Poor physical conditioning
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop sciatica, but they may increase the likelihood.
When Is Sciatica Serious?
Most cases of sciatica are not medical emergencies. However, urgent assessment is needed if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the groin or saddle area
- Progressive weakness in the leg
- Severe pain following major trauma
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer together with back pain
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history and daily activities.
A physical examination may include:
- Assessing posture and spinal movement
- Checking muscle strength
- Testing reflexes
- Evaluating sensation
- Performing nerve tension tests such as the Straight Leg Raise
Most people do not require imaging immediately. X-rays or MRI scans are usually recommended only when symptoms are severe, persistent or suggest a more serious underlying condition.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
At Bornman Chiropractic, treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Depending on your diagnosis, your care plan may include:
- Gentle joint mobilisation or spinal manipulation where appropriate
- Soft tissue therapy
- Movement and flexibility exercises
- Core strengthening
- Postural advice
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve long-term function
Treatment is tailored to the individual, with the aim of reducing pain, improving mobility and helping you return to normal activities safely.
Other Treatment Options
Management depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Remaining active where possible
- Physiotherapy
- Home exercise programmes
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication
- Corticosteroid injections in selected cases
- Surgery for persistent nerve compression causing significant weakness or loss of function
Most people improve with conservative treatment and do not require surgery.
Can Sciatica Be Prevented?
While not every case can be prevented, healthy habits can reduce your risk:
- Stay physically active
- Strengthen your core muscles
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Lift heavy objects correctly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Improve workplace ergonomics
- Stretch regularly if you spend long hours sitting
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many episodes improve within several weeks with conservative care and staying active.
Gentle walking is often beneficial, provided it does not significantly increase your symptoms.
No. Prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended. Light activity is usually encouraged.
Chiropractic care may help some people with sciatica when appropriate, particularly as part of a personalised treatment and rehabilitation programme.
No. Imaging is only required in specific situations, particularly when serious pathology is suspected or symptoms persist despite conservative care.
Key Takeaways
Sciatica is a symptom caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve rather than a condition itself. Although it can be painful, most cases improve with appropriate conservative care, exercise and activity modification. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to choosing the most effective treatment.
When Should You Book an Assessment?
If you're experiencing pain that travels from your lower back into your buttock or leg, or if numbness, tingling or weakness is affecting your daily activities, a professional assessment can help identify the underlying cause.
At Bornman Chiropractic in Moreleta Park, Dr Jaco Bornman provides evidence-based assessments and personalised management plans for patients throughout Pretoria East. Following a thorough examination, you'll receive clear advice on your diagnosis, appropriate treatment options and whether chiropractic care is suitable for your condition.
Early assessment can help you better understand your symptoms and support a safe, effective recovery.