If you’ve been told you have a herniated disc—or you’re simply dealing with that sharp, shooting nerve pain running down your leg—you’re not alone. Sciatica caused by disc issues is something we help people with every day here at The Chiropractors in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. But what’s really going on in your body, and why does it hurt so much?
Let’s break it down in a simple, reassuring way.
Understanding the Spine and Discs
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) with soft, gel-filled discs between them that act like shock absorbers. These discs help keep your spine flexible and cushioned. When one of these discs becomes damaged—often in the lower back, or lumbar region—it can bulge or even rupture. This is known as a herniated disc or sometimes a bulging disc.
When this happens, the inner gel-like material can press on nearby spinal nerves. If this pressure affects the large sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back down your legs, it can lead to sciatica.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sciatica symptoms can vary but often include:
- Pain that radiates from your lower back into your buttock and down the back of your leg
- Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve pathway
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Worsening pain when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
This discomfort is a result of the nerve pain being triggered by pressure or inflammation around the spinal nerve roots—most often due to lumbar disc issues.
So What Causes a Disc Herniation?
It’s not always a sudden injury. In fact, most herniated discs happen gradually due to everyday wear and tear. Repeated strain, poor posture, or long hours sitting can put uneven pressure on your discs, eventually causing them to bulge or herniate.
Things like heavy lifting with poor technique or even genetics can also play a role.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
At The Chiropractors, we take a thorough, personalised approach. While we don’t treat the disc itself directly, chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal function and reducing tension or pressure on the surrounding structures. This can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reduce pain and inflammation, and support your body’s natural recovery.
Before any treatment begins, we always carry out a detailed consultation, including neurological and orthopaedic testing to understand exactly what’s going on. If needed, we’ll also refer for imaging or work alongside other professionals to ensure you get the right care.
We want you to feel informed, supported, and in control of your health every step of the way.
Ready to find out how we can help? Book your consultation today
