Sciatica Towcester
Sciatica can be one of the most frightening and debilitating pain experiences. Understanding what's actually happening is the first step to getting better.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down the leg. It is often described as sharp, burning or electric, and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg.
True sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, most commonly from a disc bulge or herniation, spinal stenosis, or deep gluteal syndrome. It is very common — and in the vast majority of cases, it resolves with the right approach.
What usually happens
Sciatica can be extremely alarming — the sensation of nerve pain down the leg is frightening, and many people assume it means serious damage. They rest, avoid movement, and seek reassurance through scans. Scans often show disc changes which confirm their fears.
The reality is more reassuring. Disc herniations frequently resolve on their own. The nervous system is adaptable. And the most effective approach in most cases is graduated movement and progressive loading — not rest and avoidance.
What the evidence actually says
• The majority of disc herniations causing sciatica resolve without surgery
• Continued movement — carefully graduated — produces better outcomes than bed rest
• Progressive movement training helps reduce nerve sensitisation over time
• Fear of movement is often a significant barrier to recovery — and addressing it is part of treatment
• Surgery is appropriate in specific cases — but is rarely the first line of treatment
How Movement Possible approaches sciatica
Sciatica requires a careful and thorough clinical assessment — understanding the nature, distribution and behaviour of symptoms, and identifying any features that require urgent medical attention (red flags).
From there, management typically involves education (understanding what sciatica actually is and why it's usually not as dangerous as it feels), graduated movement and progressive strengthening of the muscles that support the lumbar spine and pelvis.
With an MSc in Pain Management from Cardiff University, Tristen has a particular depth of knowledge around the neuroscience of pain — including nerve pain — and how to help the nervous system settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've had sciatica for months — will it ever get better?
In the majority of cases, yes. Persistent sciatica can feel as though it will never improve — but the nervous system is highly adaptable, and with the right approach most people see significant improvement. Chronic sciatica is a particular area of focus at Movement Possible.
My scan showed a disc herniation — do I need surgery?
Most disc herniations causing sciatica do not require surgery. Conservative management — including graduated movement and progressive strengthening — resolves the majority of cases. Surgery is appropriate where there is significant neurological deficit (weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control) or where conservative management has failed over an appropriate period. This is a conversation to have with both your clinician and a spinal consultant.
Are there exercises I should avoid?
This depends entirely on your specific presentation. Some movements may initially aggravate symptoms — but avoidance is rarely the long-term answer. The initial assessment will identify what's helpful and what needs to be approached carefully at the beginning.
When should I see a doctor urgently?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs and buttocks), or rapidly progressive weakness in both legs. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate investigation. These red flags are assessed as part of every initial consultation at Movement Possible.
Can sciatica be caused by something other than a disc?
Yes. deep gluteal syndrome, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint problems and referred pain from lumbar facet joints can all cause sciatic-type symptoms. A thorough assessment distinguishes between these — which is why clinical assessment is the essential first step.
Ready to find out what's possible?
Book a free 20-minute discovery call. No commitment — just a conversation about where you are and whether I can help.
📞 07734 429423
Based in Cold Higham, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Serving Towcester, Northampton, Brackley, Daventry, Milton Keynes and surrounding villages.