If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain down your leg or a deep ache in your lower back, someone may have told you it’s “just sciatica.” But when it comes to sciatica, there’s a lot of misunderstanding out there. At The Chiropractors of Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, we want to set the record straight and help you make informed choices about your health. So let’s dive into some common sciatica myths and the nerve pain misconceptions we hear most often in clinic — and explore how chiropractic care can help.
Myth 1: Sciatica Is a Diagnosis in Itself
One of the biggest chiropractor myth busting points we share with new patients is this: sciatica isn’t a diagnosis — it’s a symptom. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When this nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness — known as sciatic pain.
But what’s important is why the sciatic nerve is irritated. The root cause could be a disc issue, joint misalignment, muscle tension, or even poor posture. That’s why our chiropractors in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield focus on finding the underlying cause, not just treating the symptoms.
Myth 2: Only Older People Get Sciatica
We often see patients in their 20s and 30s who are surprised to be dealing with nerve pain. The truth is, sciatica can affect anyone, especially if you sit for long periods, have poor spinal posture, or have a physically demanding job. We see many new patients in Solihull who lead active lives but develop sciatic symptoms from repetitive strain or improper lifting techniques.
Good news? Chiropractic care can support your spine at any age — helping restore mobility, reduce pressure on nerves, and get you back to doing what you love.
Myth 3: You Just Need Rest and Painkillers
While pain relief is a part of recovery, relying on medication alone often masks the symptoms without addressing the root cause. And prolonged rest can sometimes make things worse by stiffening joints and weakening supportive muscles.
Our chiropractic approach in Solihull is proactive. We focus on gently improving spinal alignment, enhancing mobility, and recommending lifestyle adjustments that promote long-term recovery. Many patients find they can move more freely and experience less nerve irritation after consistent chiropractic care — all without relying solely on medication.
Myth 4: If You Don’t Have Back Pain, It’s Not Sciatica
Sciatica is often associated with lower back pain, but it doesn’t always show up that way. In fact, you might only feel discomfort in your hip, leg, or foot — making it easy to miss the connection to your spine. This is one of the most overlooked nerve pain misconceptions we see.
At The Chiropractors of Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, we take a full-body view. We assess spinal and neurological function to understand how your body is communicating with itself — not just where the pain is showing up. That’s where chiropractor myth busting really helps guide effective care.
Myth 5: Chiropractic Care Isn’t Safe for Sciatica
This is a common fear, but when delivered by registered professionals, chiropractic care is both safe and regulated. Our chiropractors are GCC-registered, fully insured, and follow evidence-informed approaches tailored to each individual.
We begin with a thorough consultation and neurological testing, followed by a detailed explanation of your findings. Only then, and with your fully informed consent, would care begin. For many patients with sciatica, chiropractic adjustments provide relief by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and improving spinal function.
Let’s Talk About Your Sciatica
If you’re dealing with leg pain, numbness, or tingling — don’t guess and don’t Google-diagnose. Let our experienced team in Solihull help you find the root of the problem and move toward a healthier, more comfortable life.
