Sciatica Treatment in Cardiff
Sciatica can stop you in your tracks. Pain that runs from your lower back or buttock down your leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness, makes sitting, sleeping and walking hard work.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors take the time to find out what is causing your symptoms, then build a clear, hands-on plan to get you back to normal life, work and sport.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is the name for pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from your lower back, through your buttock and down the back of each leg.
"Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis... finding the cause is what matters."
Common symptoms include:
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Pain in the buttock or down the back of the leg, often worse than any back pain
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Pain that may reach the calf or foot, usually on one side
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Numbness, pins and needles or a burning feeling
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Weakness in the leg or foot
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Pain that flares when sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
Common causes include:
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Disc irritation or bulge pressing on a nerve root (the most common cause)
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Narrowing around the nerve (spinal stenosis), more common as we get older
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Joint and muscle problems in the lower back, pelvis or buttock
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Load and lifestyle such as heavy lifting, long periods of sitting or a sudden jump in training
How we can help
We start by finding out what is irritating the nerve, then treat the cause as well as the symptoms. Your plan is built around you and usually combines:
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Spinal and pelvic adjustments to improve movement in stiff joints
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease tight, guarded muscles
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Rehabilitation exercises to build strength and help your back and hips tolerate everyday load
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Practical advice on sitting, sleeping, lifting and staying active while you recover
UK guidelines from NICE recommend manual therapy as part of a package that includes exercise for low back pain with or without sciatica. That combination is exactly how we work.
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £50. It includes:
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A full case history: your symptoms, health and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
If you need a scan or input from your GP or another specialist, we will tell you and help you arrange it. Follow-up treatments are 30 minutes and cost £38.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Many people notice a change within the first few sessions, while longer-standing or more severe sciatica can take longer. We review your progress regularly and will always be upfront about what to expect.
When to get urgent help
Most sciatica is not serious, but go to A&E or call 999 if you have back or leg pain with any of these:
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Numbness or tingling around your genitals, bottom or inner thighs
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New problems passing urine, or losing control of your bladder or bowels
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New sexual problems, such as loss of sensation
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Weakness or numbness in both legs, or weakness that is quickly getting worse
These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition that needs emergency treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Is chiropractic safe for sciatica?
Yes, for most people. We carry out a full examination before any treatment and adapt our approach to you. If anything suggests treatment isn't right for you, we will refer you on.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Staying gently active usually helps recovery more than bed rest. We will show you which movements to do and which to ease off for now.
Can sciatica come back?
It can, which is why rehabilitation exercises and advice on load and posture are a key part of your plan.
"The sooner the cause is found, the sooner you can get moving again."
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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