Sciatica – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

• Sciatica is nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.

• Symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.

• Common causes: disc herniation, spinal arthritis, or muscle entrapment (piriformis syndrome).

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we provide expert assessment, osteopathic care, and tailored rehabilitation — with referral if serious “red flag” signs are present.

👉 Related: Cervical Radiculopathy | Muscle Strains | Hip Pain

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What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg.

Sciatica occurs when the nerve is irritated or compressed. Unlike general back pain, sciatica typically produces radiating pain down one leg, often accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness.

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Symptoms of Sciatica

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot

• Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” down the leg

• Muscle weakness or reduced reflexes in the leg/foot

• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing

• Usually affects one side (but can be bilateral in severe cases)

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Disc herniation (“slipped disc”) compressing a nerve root

• Spinal arthritis / spondylosis narrowing the nerve exit

• Piriformis syndrome (nerve compressed in the buttock)

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

• Trauma or heavy lifting

• Sedentary lifestyle or poor posture

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🚩 Red Flag Symptoms – When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Sciatica is usually self-limiting, but in rare cases it can indicate cauda equina syndrome — a medical emergency.

Seek urgent hospital care if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence or difficulty passing urine)

• Numbness around the groin or saddle area

• Sudden or severe weakness in both legs

• Loss of sexual function

👉 At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we screen for these red flags at every assessment and will refer immediately if they are present.

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Diagnosis of Sciatica

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Osteopathic assessment – movement, posture, neurological and reflex testing

• Differential diagnosis – ruling out hip pathology, hamstring injury, or vascular causes

• Referral – MRI or nerve conduction studies if symptoms are severe, persistent, or red flags are present

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Self-Help for Sciatica

• Keep moving gently — prolonged bed rest slows recovery

• Apply heat packs to ease muscle tightness

• Maintain good sitting posture and use supportive chairs

• Gentle nerve and mobility exercises (when pain allows)

• Use over-the-counter pain relief if required (under GP advice)

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – spinal mobilisation, joint therapy, and soft tissue release
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – core and glute strengthening, nerve mobility, posture training
✅ Sports massage – reduces muscle spasm in the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings
✅ Education & advice – ergonomic setup, safe lifting, activity pacing
✅ Referral pathways – for MRI, pain management, or surgical opinion if indicated

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Prevention

• Strengthen your core and glutes to support the spine

• Use correct lifting techniques

• Maintain good sitting and desk posture

• Stay active with regular walking and exercise

• Manage weight to reduce spinal load

• Address back stiffness before it worsens

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FAQs – Sciatica

Q: Is sciatica the same as back pain?
No. Sciatica specifically refers to nerve pain radiating into the leg, not just lower back pain.

Q: Do I always need an MRI?
Not always. Many cases are diagnosed clinically. MRI is used if symptoms persist, are severe, or red flags appear.

Q: How long does sciatica last?
Most cases improve within 6–12 weeks with conservative care.

Q: Can sciatica get worse?
Yes. Severe or worsening symptoms, especially with bladder/bowel issues, require urgent medical assessment.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let sciatica stop you from living actively. Book your sciatica assessment in Bromley today for expert diagnosis, tailored treatment, and referral if necessary.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available