Sciatica Explained: Why It’s a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

In this article, you’ll learn what sciatica really means, what typically causes it, and why getting the right diagnosis matters so much. You’ll also see how osteopathy can help, what you can try at home, and what to expect if you decide to see Jeremy—a GOsC-registered osteopath based at Cura Rooms in Angel, London—about your back pain, neck pain, TMJ issues, or sciatica-like symptoms.

What “Sciatica” Actually Means

“Sciatica” describes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve—most often from the lower back or buttock into the back of the thigh, calf, and foot. It’s a shorthand patients and clinicians use for nerve-related symptoms in the leg.

But sciatica doesn’t tell you why the nerve is irritated. That’s why it’s not a diagnosis in itself: it’s a description of what you feel, not the underlying reason you’re feeling it.

A quick tour of the sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots that exit the lower spine (usually L4 to S3). It runs deep through the buttock, under or through the piriformis muscle in some people, and down the back of the leg. If any part of that pathway—or the spinal nerve roots that feed it—becomes compressed or inflamed, you may experience sciatica-like symptoms.

Common Causes of Sciatica-Like Symptoms

Because sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis, different people can have similar leg pain for very different reasons. A thorough assessment helps identify which of the following patterns applies:

• Disc-related irritation (lumbar radiculopathy): A bulging or herniated disc can inflame or compress a nerve root. This often produces pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing.
• Spinal stenosis or foraminal narrowing: Age-related changes can narrow the spaces where nerves travel, leading to symptoms that are worse with standing or walking and relieved by sitting or bending forward.
• Facet joint irritation: The small joints at the back of the spine can become inflamed, sometimes referring pain into the buttock or thigh.
• Piriformis-related sensitivity: The piriformis muscle runs close to the sciatic nerve; increased tension or sensitivity here can mimic sciatica, especially after prolonged sitting.
• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction: The joints at the back of the pelvis can refer pain into the leg, often without true nerve compression.
• Hip-related conditions: Hip osteoarthritis, labral issues, or gluteal tendinopathy can send pain into the thigh and sometimes be mistaken for sciatica.
• Neural sensitisation: Even without direct compression, nerves can become more chemically sensitive due to inflammation or system-wide factors like poor sleep and stress.
• Other causes: Less commonly, diabetes-related neuropathy, pregnancy-related changes, fractures, infections, or tumours can irritate nerve tissue and produce sciatica-like symptoms.

This variety is exactly why a personalised assessment matters. The most helpful treatment depends on the specific cause, not just the presence of leg pain.

Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters

Two people can both say they have “sciatica,” but one might get better with gentle back extensions and short walks, while another improves with hip strengthening and sitting modifications. Treating them identically risks slowing recovery.

A clear diagnosis provides a roadmap. It helps you:

• Choose movements that calm your symptoms and temporarily avoid those that irritate them.
• Decide whether hands-on osteopathy, exercise-based rehab, or medical referral is most appropriate.
• Set realistic expectations about recovery time and flare-ups.
• Spot red flags early and seek urgent care when needed.

Risk Factors and Triggers You Can Influence

Sciatica-like pain can happen to anyone, but some factors raise the risk:

• Prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched posture or on deep soft sofas.
• Sudden increases in lifting or training loads without adaptation.
• Heavy manual work without adequate recovery or technique.
• Insufficient sleep, persistent stress, and low activity levels.
• Smoking and general metabolic health factors.

The good news? Many of these are modifiable. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference to pain and resilience.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy is a person-centred, evidence-informed approach that blends assessment, hands-on techniques, movement coaching, and lifestyle advice. For sciatica-like symptoms, an osteopath aims to reduce irritation, restore comfortable movement, and improve the environment around the affected nerves and joints.

Assessment first

Before any treatment, a registered osteopath will take a detailed case history and perform a physical examination to identify the most likely cause of your symptoms. This may include:

• Neurological tests (strength, reflexes, sensation) to assess nerve involvement.
• Movement tests (bending, extension, side glide) to see what eases or aggravates symptoms.
• Neurodynamic tests (like the straight leg raise or slump) used carefully and only when helpful.
• Hip, pelvis, and lower back assessment to rule in or out similar conditions.

Hands-on care tailored to your presentation

Depending on your diagnosis and preferences, treatment may include:

• Gentle spinal and pelvic mobilisation to improve comfort and movement.
• Soft tissue techniques to ease muscle guarding around the lower back, hip, or piriformis.
• Neural mobilisation (“nerve glides”) used judiciously to improve nerve mobility where appropriate.
• Strategies to reduce sensitivity—breathing work, graded exposure to movement, and pacing.

Hands-on care is usually combined with exercise and education—this combined approach has the best support in the research for many musculoskeletal conditions, including back-related leg pain.

Exercise and movement

Jeremy often prescribes a small set of targeted exercises to nudge your system towards ease. Examples might include:

• Position-of-ease movements (gentle extensions, flexions, or side glides) matched to what your body responds to.
• Hip and trunk strength work to support your lower back and pelvis over time.
• Short, frequent walks to encourage blood flow and reduce stiffness without overloading the tissues.
• Gradual return-to-activity plans so you can get back to lifting, running, or long days at a desk with less fear of flare-ups.

Education is central: understanding why symptoms behave the way they do can lower anxiety and help you move more confidently—an important part of pain relief.

Real-World Examples from Clinic

Every patient is unique, but here are typical patterns Jeremy sees as an Osteopath in Angel Islington:

• Desk worker with sudden leg pain: Mark, 52, developed sharp leg pain after long days hunched over a laptop. Assessment pointed to a disc-related irritation. Jeremy combined gentle hands-on treatment with regular “movement snacks,” lumbar extensions that eased pain, and a gradual walking routine. Mark returned to comfortable sitting within three weeks and continued strength work to reduce recurrence.
• Runner with buttock and hamstring pain: Sam, 28, had tightness in the buttock with occasional tingling after hill sprints. Tests indicated piriformis-related irritation rather than a true nerve root issue. Treatment focused on hip mobility, glute strength, pacing adjustments, and running technique. Symptoms settled as training load was redistributed and recovery improved.
• Postnatal pelvic discomfort with leg ache: Anna, 34, felt a deep ache into the thigh after prolonged standing. SIJ-driven pain was suspected. With gentle pelvic mobilisation, supportive exercises, and practical pacing strategies, she regained confidence and reduced flare-ups while caring for her newborn.

These examples highlight why the “sciatica” label alone is not enough. The plan is designed around you—the real person, not just the symptom.

Self‑Care Tips You Can Try at Home

While you’re waiting to see a professional—or if your symptoms are mild and recent—these strategies can help:

• Find a position of comfort: Many people feel better lying on their side with a pillow between the knees, or on their back with a pillow under the knees. Use whichever position eases symptoms for 10–20 minutes at a time.
• Move little and often: Avoid prolonged bed rest. Aim for short, frequent movement breaks: a few gentle back bends, a brief walk indoors, or a lap around the block. The goal is to calm the system, not to train hard.
• Modify sitting: Try a small lumbar support or a folded towel behind your lower back. Keep feet flat, hips slightly higher than knees, and change position every 20–30 minutes.
• Heat or cold: Use whichever feels better. A warm pack can ease muscle guarding; cold may reduce acute sensitivity. Always protect your skin and limit to 10–15 minutes.
• Gentle nerve-friendly movement: If appropriate, a carefully dosed “nerve glide” can help. For example, lying on your back, extend the affected knee slowly until you feel a mild stretch—not pain—then lower. Keep the ankle relaxed. Start with 5–10 repetitions, once or twice daily. If this increases symptoms, stop and seek guidance.
• Sleep and stress matter: Better sleep and simple relaxation practices (breathing exercises, a short walk after dinner) can lower nerve sensitivity and boost recovery.

If symptoms persist or you’re unsure which movements are right for you, a session with a registered osteopath can tailor these ideas and ensure they’re safe for your situation.

When to Seek Professional Help

See a healthcare professional, such as a GOsC-registered osteopath or your GP, if:

• Pain lasts more than a couple of weeks despite self-care.
• You have recurrent flare-ups that limit work, sleep, or day-to-day life.
• Symptoms include significant weakness, persistent numbness, or balance issues.
• You’re pregnant and unsure which movements or positions are safe.
• You’re worried or confused about your diagnosis and want a clear plan.

Urgent red flags—seek immediate medical attention

Call emergency services or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area.
• Severe, unrelenting pain with progressive weakness in the leg or foot drop.
• Fever, night sweats, history of cancer, recent significant trauma, or unexplained weight loss alongside new back or leg pain.

What to Expect with Jeremy at Cura Rooms, Angel

Jeremy is a GOsC-registered osteopath with extensive experience helping people with back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ problems, and sciatica-like symptoms. He practises at Cura Rooms in Angel, London, and focuses on straightforward explanations, gentle and effective techniques, and collaboration—so you’re involved in decisions about your care.

Your first appointment

Here’s how a typical initial consultation may unfold:

• Conversation: You’ll discuss your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and goals. Jeremy will listen carefully to understand how the problem affects your life and what matters most to you.
• Assessment: He’ll perform a physical examination, including neurological screening where appropriate, functional movement tests, and specific actions to identify the main drivers of your symptoms.
• Explanation: Jeremy will share a clear, honest, and evidence-informed impression of what’s going on, why it matters, and what you can do about it. No jargon, no scare tactics, no overpromising.
• Treatment and plan: If it’s appropriate and you wish, treatment may include hands-on techniques, movement coaching, and a simple home programme. You’ll leave with a plan you understand and feel confident about.
• Referral if needed: If imaging or a medical opinion is advisable, Jeremy can liaise with your GP or refer you to the right specialist. MRI isn’t always necessary, but when it is, it’s arranged thoughtfully.

Why choose a registered osteopath near you

Seeing a GOsC-registered osteopath ensures you’re working with a clinician who meets professional standards of training, safety, and ethics. If you’re searching for an Osteopath in Angel Islington or a Registered osteopath near me, Jeremy at JJB Osteopath Cura Rooms offers accessible, patient-centred care in the heart of North London.

Osteopathy for Sciatica: What the Evidence Says

Research supports a combined approach for many people with back-related leg pain: education, graded movement and exercise, and appropriately selected manual therapy. While no single technique is a magic fix, a personalised plan that reduces sensitivity, builds confidence, and restores strength can be highly effective.

Importantly, most cases improve without surgery. Building tolerance with smart movement and addressing aggravating factors often provides lasting results. When conservative care isn’t enough, timely referral for further assessment ensures you have all options on the table.

Beyond the Lower Back: A Whole-Person View

Persistent pain is influenced by more than just tissues. Sleep quality, stress, general fitness, and even how much meaning we attach to pain signals can affect symptom intensity. Jeremy’s approach integrates these factors where relevant, whether you’re seeking osteopathy for sciatica, osteopathy for back pain, neck pain, headaches, or TMJ problems.

Small, achievable steps—improving your workstation, regular breaks, breathing practices, and progressive strengthening—can shift the dial in a meaningful way.

Practical Lifestyle Adjustments That Help

• Workstation: Keep the screen at eye level, keyboard close, and feet supported. Alternate between sitting and standing if you can. Set a timer to change position every 30 minutes.
• Daily rhythm: Batch tasks that require sitting, and intersperse them with short walks or gentle mobility. Little and often beats big, infrequent efforts.
• Activity progression: Return to the activities you enjoy—gym, running, yoga—but build back gradually. Aim for a 10–20% increase per week after symptoms settle.
• Recovery: Prioritise sleep and hydration. Even one extra hour of quality sleep can reduce pain sensitivity and improve tissue recovery.
• Stress support: Simple breathing drills (four seconds in, six seconds out for two to five minutes) can settle your nervous system, easing muscle tension and pain.

Why “Sciatica” Isn’t the Whole Story

It bears repeating: sciatica describes a set of symptoms, not a single condition. That’s why two people with similar pain can need very different plans. With a careful assessment and a calm, compassionate approach, you can identify the drivers of your pain and choose strategies that actually work for you.

Whether your goal is to sit comfortably through a workday, get back to running, or pick up your child without worry, a tailored plan beats generic advice every time.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for an Osteopath Angel London or a Registered osteopath near me, Jeremy welcomes new patients at Cura Rooms in Angel. He provides personalised care for sciatica, back pain, neck pain, TMJ problems, and more—combining hands-on treatment, movement coaching, and clear education so you understand your options.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit jjbosteopath.co.uk. If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is right for you, you can get in touch to discuss your symptoms and goals before booking.

Gentle, evidence-informed, and focused on what matters to you—care designed to help you move with confidence again.

FAQs

Is sciatica always caused by a slipped disc?

No. A disc bulge or herniation is a common cause, but not the only one. Facet joints, the SIJ, hip conditions, piriformis-related sensitivity, and general neural sensitisation can all produce similar symptoms. That’s why assessment is essential.

Do I need an MRI for sciatica?

Not always. Many people improve with conservative care without needing imaging. MRI can be helpful when red flags are present, symptoms are severe or persistent, or when considering surgical options. Jeremy can advise if imaging is appropriate and coordinate referrals.

How long does recovery usually take?

It varies. Some people feel noticeably better within a few weeks with the right plan; others with long-standing symptoms may need a longer, steadier approach. Consistent self-care, progressive movement, and an individualised treatment plan tend to speed recovery and reduce flare-ups.

Can osteopathy help during pregnancy-related sciatica?

Yes, osteopathy can often support comfort during pregnancy with gentle, safe techniques and practical advice. Jeremy will adapt assessment and treatment to your stage of pregnancy and specific needs, and liaise with your midwife or GP when appropriate.