Sciatica

Non-surgical support for leg pain, nerve irritation & lumbar disc compression

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. When the nerve is compressed—commonly by a disc bulge or herniation—pain, tingling, numbness or weakness can appear anywhere along its pathway.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis.

It is a symptom of an underlying spinal condition, such as:

• Lumbar disc herniation

• Bulging disc

• Disc degeneration

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Facet joint inflammation

• Nerve root irritation

• Postural compression from long-term sitting

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

People with sciatica may experience:

• Sharp or burning pain in the buttock or leg

• “Electric shock” sensations

• Pain that travels down the back or side of the leg

• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes

• Leg heaviness or weakness

• Pain worse with sitting, driving, bending or lifting

• Difficulty standing upright

• Relief when lying down or slightly bending forward

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What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when something irritates or compresses the lumbar nerve root. The most common causes include:

1. Herniated Disc (most common)

Disc material presses on the L4, L5 or S1 nerve root.

2. Bulging Disc

The disc protrudes outward and narrows the nerve space.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

As discs thin and dehydrate, the nerve canal can become restricted.

4. Spinal Stenosis

The spinal canal narrows, often affecting older adults.

5. Spondylolisthesis

A vertebra slips forward, compressing the nerve.

6. Muscle or postural compression

Prolonged sitting can cause nerve irritation even without overt disc injury.

How Spinal Decompression May Help Sciatica

Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine in a controlled, computer-guided way. This helps:

✔ Reduce pressure on the affected nerve root

Decompression increases the space around the nerve, relieving irritation.

✔ Improve disc hydration & nutrient flow

Your uploaded clinical studies (Di Modica, Carmona, Arumugam) show measurable improvements in disc integrity following decompression programs.

✔ Create negative intradiscal pressure

This encourages disc material to retract inward, easing nerve compression.

✔ Improve circulation and mobility

Better mobility reduces inflammation and mechanical stress on the spine.

Sciatica patients often choose decompression when:

• pain travels into the buttock or leg

• other treatments haven’t relieved nerve irritation

• they want to avoid injections or surgery

• sitting and driving are painful

• they have MRI evidence of disc involvement

What to Expect During Treatment

1. Assessment First

Your chiropractor will perform neurological testing, orthopaedic testing, postural analysis and review your MRI or X-ray (if available).

2. Personalised Decompression Setup

The table is adjusted to the exact spinal level and angle required for your nerve root.

3. Gentle Traction Cycles

Each session lasts around 20–25 minutes and is pain-free.

4. Review and Monitoring

We regularly track changes in nerve irritation, mobility, strength and comfort.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression for Sciatica?

You may be suitable if your sciatica is caused by:

• disc herniation

bulging disc

degenerative disc narrowing

foraminal stenosis

postural compression

Not suitable for:

spinal tumours

severe instability

advanced osteoporosis

post-op restrictions

pregnancy

A chiropractor must clear you before therapy starts.

Treatment Program Length

The most effective sciatica decompression programs:

• run for 6–10 weeks

• involve 2–3 sessions per week

are combined with specific chiropractic and rehabilitation exercises

FAQs

Is sciatica serious?

Sciatica can range from mild to severe. It often indicates an underlying disc or nerve issue that should be assessed.

Does decompression hurt?

No — it is gentle and relaxing.

Will sciatica go away on its own?

Sometimes, but many people experience recurring flare-ups because the underlying cause is not addressed.

Do I need an MRI first?

Not always. Your chiropractor will advise whether imaging is required based on your symptoms.

Book Your Sciatica Assessment

If you’re experiencing leg pain, nerve irritation or persistent lumbar symptoms, we can help determine whether decompression may be suitable.

➡️ Book an Initial Assessment (40 minutes)

Includes full spinal exam, neurological tests and decompression screening.