Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. When something – like a bulging disc, joint inflammation, or even tight muscles – presses on the nerve, it can trigger discomfort that radiates down the leg. In many cases, people also experience pins and needles, numbness or a burning sensation that travels all the way to the foot.
One reason sciatica is so common is because it’s often linked to modern lifestyles. Sitting for long hours, poor posture, weak core muscles and lack of movement can all contribute to pressure building around the lower back and hips. Even small, everyday movements – like lifting something awkwardly or twisting quickly – can aggravate the nerve if your body isn’t moving well or is already under strain.
Additionally, many people live with underlying stiffness or muscle imbalances without realising it. Over time, this can cause structural changes that irritate the nerve. Age also plays a role. As we get older, natural wear and tear on the spine or joints can make us more prone to sciatica.
Ultimately, it’s a combination of how we move, how much we sit, and how well our bodies are functioning overall that makes sciatica such a widespread issue. The good news? It’s often treatable with the right approach – one that focuses on restoring movement, reducing nerve irritation, and strengthening the areas that need support.
If you’re still dealing with sciatica despite trying various solutions, you’re not alone. Many people start with rest, painkillers or applying heat. These methods may offer short-term relief, but they don’t address the root cause of the issue. That’s why the problem often returns – or never fully goes away.
One major reason sciatica persists is that it’s rarely just about the nerve. It’s also about how your muscles, joints, and movement patterns are working together. If one part of your body isn’t moving properly – like tight hips, weak glutes, or poor spinal alignment – it can create strain elsewhere, leading to ongoing nerve irritation. Simply treating the discomfort without correcting how you move means the problem is likely to come back.
Another reason is time. Quick appointments or generic advice may not give you the tailored guidance you need. Real progress comes from understanding your unique situation – how the issue started, how it’s affecting your daily life, and what movement patterns are contributing to it.
And finally, most traditional routes don’t provide a long-term plan. A few exercises or a single treatment session won’t fully resolve something that’s developed over weeks, months or even years. Without consistency and personalised support, many people end up stuck in a cycle of temporary fixes.
The truth is, to fix sciatica, you need a clear, movement-based approach – one that’s specific to your body and focused on lasting change.
The key to fixing sciatica lies in addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause. While rest or medication might ease things temporarily, they don’t resolve what’s triggering the nerve in the first place. Long-term relief comes from restoring proper movement, calming the nerve, and strengthening the structures that support your spine and hips.
At our clinic, we take a holistic, movement-based approach. We start with gentle exercises that encourage mobility in the lower back, hips, and legs – without aggravating the nerve. These movements help reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and allow the nerve to move more freely again.
We also use hands-on techniques like dry needling and acupuncture, which help desensitise the nerve and ease discomfort. These methods are natural, non-invasive and effective at calming the body so you can start to move better.
Strength and stability are the final piece of the puzzle. Once the nerve is less irritated, it’s important to build strength in key areas like your core, glutes and hips. This helps prevent the issue from coming back by giving your body the support it needs for daily life.
What makes this approach effective is that it’s personalised. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for sciatica. Your treatment should match your lifestyle, your goals and how your body moves. That’s how you create lasting results – and get back to living without hesitation.
If you’re sick of relying on painkillers or hoping that rest will magically make your pain go away, you’re in the right place. As a leading back pain expert in Southampton, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people live pain-free without the need for medications or invasive treatments. If you’re ready to take control of your recovery and start your journey to a pain-free life, I have several options for you:
Download A Free Back Pain Report
If you want to stop having to take painkillers – or avoid the potential of needing surgery with unpleasant complications – you can download my free back pain report. In this guide, you will find tips and tricks you can implement at home that will help alleviate your pain. It’s a great way for you to get started on your journey to getting better.
Arrange A Free Telephone Consultation
You can arrange a free telephone call with a physiotherapist from our clinic. This will be a great opportunity to discuss what options are available to you and how we can help you get over pain and get back to doing what you love to do, pain-free.
Arrange A Free Discovery Visit
This is a 20-minute appointment which gives you the chance to find out more about us, and gives us the chance to ask plenty of questions to find out about you and your back pain – so we can work out what the best treatment route is going forward for you.
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With 16 years of NHS and private practice experience, I’m a trusted Southampton physiotherapist. I’ve helped thousands naturally overcome back pain, a success reflected in patient testimonials and a recent Health Expert News feature. My focus is lasting relief, without medication or surgery.
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