Pain travelling from your lower back into your buttock or leg? Sitting in the car or working at your desk can be difficult when leg symptoms keep interrupting your day. If you’re wondering whether it’s sciatica, the first step is understanding what’s happening.
I’m Dr Steven Lockstone (Chiropractor) at MyChiro in Bondi Junction. I’d start by asking where the pain travels, whether you have tingling or numbness and what movements or activities seem to change it—not assuming a disc needs putting back in place.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica generally describes pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into part of a leg. Some people also notice tingling, numbness or weakness. It often relates to irritation of a nerve root in the lower spine, but other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
A disc bulge or herniation is one possible cause. It doesn’t necessarily mean a disc has ‘slipped out of alignment’, and the symptoms shouldn’t be diagnosed solely from a description or a posture photo.
What happens at an assessment?
The clinician should ask when the problem started, where symptoms travel, which activities are difficult and whether strength or sensation has changed. Depending on the presentation, a relevant examination and sometimes further medical assessment can help clarify the possible cause.
An X-ray, CT scan or MRI isn’t needed automatically for everyone with back or leg pain. Tests should be considered when clinically indicated and likely to affect management.
Can chiropractic adjustments help?
For some back-related musculoskeletal concerns, a chiropractor may discuss suitable hands-on techniques as one part of a broader approach. However, an adjustment shouldn’t be promised to push a disc back in place, release a trapped nerve or produce immediate sciatica relief.
Options may include activity advice, suitable exercise, a manual technique when appropriate or referral to a GP or another clinician. The right choice depends on the assessment and your preferences. You can also request alternatives without traditional cracking.
What can you do while deciding on care?
- Notice where the symptoms travel and which daily activities make them worse.
- Keep ordinary movement manageable rather than forcing stretches that aggravate leg symptoms.
- Consider whether prolonged sitting or a particular lifting task affects comfort.
- Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms; new significant weakness or bladder or bowel changes need prompt medical attention.
What happens at MyChiro?
At the first consultation, we’ll go through the symptoms, assess what’s relevant and discuss whether chiropractic care makes sense. If the presentation needs medical review or a different practitioner, I’ll explain that rather than promising a fixed treatment course.
New patients receive a free initial consultation, including assessment and advice. If hands-on treatment is clinically appropriate and you choose to proceed, same-day treatment is available for $125. There is no obligation to have treatment.
Read about Dr Steven Lockstone (Chiropractor) or book your free initial consultation online in Bondi Junction to discuss the options.
