If sciatica has been making it hard to sit, sleep, or get through your day comfortably, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common reasons people come to see Lisa at Zest Chiropractic in Moseley. Sciatica can feel concerning, especially when the pain travels down the leg, but in most cases identifying what’s actually irritating the nerve is the first step towards getting it properly addressed.
Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body. It runs from your lower back, through your hip and buttock, and down the back of each leg.
When the nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness anywhere along that pathway — usually on just one side of the body.
It’s worth knowing that sciatica isn’t a condition in its own right. It’s a symptom, caused by something else putting pressure on or irritating the nerve, which is why working out the underlying cause matters.
Sciatica symptoms can vary in intensity but often include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in Moseley or Birmingham, early assessment can help prevent the condition from worsening.
In some cases sciatica can signal a condition that needs urgent medical attention. Please go to A&E the same day if you experience any of the following red flags:
These can be signs of a condition called cauda equina syndrome, which needs emergency medical treatment.
Sciatica can develop for a number of reasons. Common contributing factors include:
In many cases, sciatica builds up gradually from ongoing stress on the lower back, rather than from a single injury. Read more in our guide to what causes sciatica.
Poor posture is one of the most common contributors to sciatic pain. Sitting for long periods — especially with poor spinal alignment — can increase pressure on the lower back and surrounding tissues, which may irritate the sciatic nerve over time.
Addressing posture is often part of a longer-term plan to support your spine.
At Zest, Lisa’s focus is on working out what’s driving the irritation, rather than just treating the area that hurts.
Lisa practises Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC™), a method that looks at the whole structure of the body — not just the painful area — to address misalignments that the body cannot correct on its own. You can read more about her approach to ABC™ and why she practises it.
A typical first visit may include:
“Sciatica is one of the things I see most often in clinic. People are often surprised that what’s irritating the nerve isn’t always where they feel the pain. A detailed structural assessment is usually the first step towards understanding what’s really going on.”
As with all chiropractic care, results vary between individuals. Lisa will always assess your specific situation before recommending a course of care.
It’s worth getting things checked if:
You don’t need a GP referral to see a chiropractor. That said, if you’re experiencing any of the urgent symptoms listed above, please seek urgent medical attention first.
Read more in our guide on whether to see a chiropractor for sciatica.
For some people yes. Lisa assesses the spine and pelvis for the structural causes of nerve irritation and uses hands-on techniques where appropriate. She’ll always start with a thorough assessment to understand what’s contributing to your particular symptoms before recommending a plan. She will also refer you to the most appropriate professional if chiropractic care is not suitable for you.
This varies a great deal from person to person, depending on the underlying cause, how long it’s been present, and your general health. Lisa will give you an honest, realistic picture once she’s assessed you, rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally gentle and well-tolerated. Lisa will always explain what she’s planning to do and why, and will take a full case history before tailoring her approach to what’s appropriate for you.
No — you can book directly with Lisa. However, if you have any of the red-flag symptoms listed above, please seek urgent medical attention first.
This depends on your individual situation — how long you’ve had symptoms, what’s causing them, and how your body responds to care. Lisa won’t recommend more sessions than she genuinely believes are in your interest, and she’ll review your progress with you regularly.
Based in Moseley, Lisa regularly sees patients with sciatica from across South Birmingham, including Kings Heath, Hall Green, Edgbaston, Stirchley, Shirley, and Solihull.
Book a free 10-minute call with Lisa. She’ll listen to what’s been going on and give you an honest, no-pressure view on whether chiropractic care is likely to help with your sciatica. No obligation, no hard sell.
Click To Book Your Free Call Online
Or call Lisa on 07736 030590
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. As with all chiropractic care, individual results vary and depend on individual circumstances. If you are experiencing numbness around the groin or inner thighs, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, severe or worsening leg weakness, or pain following a significant accident or injury, please seek urgent (same day) medical assistance. Lisa Archer is a chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and a member of the United Chiropractic Association. GCC registration does not imply a general medical qualification.
If sciatica is affecting your work, sleep, or ability to move comfortably, now is a good time to get it checked.
Based in Moseley, Birmingham
Appointments available this weekConvenient local chiropractor for Moseley, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Edgbaston, Stirchley, Shirley and Solihull
Not sure if chiropractic is right for you? Click to book a free “is chiropractic right for me?” call with Lisa
