The Truth About What’s Behind That Shooting Pain

By Brighton chiropractor Matthew Bennett

Pain caused by sciatic nerve into buttock and leg — Sciatica Pain

If you’ve been told you’ve got sciatica, you’re probably wondering what on earth is actually happening inside your back. The simple answer? Your sciatic nerve – the longest nerve in your body – is being compressed or irritated, and it’s not happy about it.

But here’s where it gets interesting. As Brighton’s leading chiropractors for sciatica, we see patients every week who’ve been given half the story. Yes, it’s nerve compression, but what’s causing that compression makes all the difference to your treatment and recovery.

The Most Common Culprits:

Disc bulges (the biggie – responsible for most cases)
Piriformis muscle spasm (a right pain in the backside, literally)
Spinal canal narrowing from wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
Rare but serious conditions (which is why proper diagnosis matters)

This is precisely why choosing the best chiropractor in Brighton for sciatica isn’t just about convenience – it’s about getting the right diagnosis from the start.

Our Sundial team has been identifying and treating these causes for over 30 years, so we know exactly what to look for.

Back Pain Checkup: Do you have symptoms of sciatica?

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The Sundial Method: How We Actually Fix Your Sciatica (Not Just Mask It)

Forget Everything You Think You Know About Sciatica Treatment

Whilst other practitioners might have you doing generic stretches or prescribing painkillers that barely touch the sides, our Brighton chiropractic clinics take a completely different approach. We don’t just want to make you feel better temporarily – we want to solve the problem properly.

Here’s something that might surprise you: a recent major study found that patients who received chiropractic treatment for their sciatica were far less likely to be prescribed opioid painkillers – those highly addictive drugs that have caused such problems.

Think about that for a moment. Whilst other approaches often lead to prescription painkillers (with all their risks and side effects), proper chiropractic care actually helps people avoid them altogether. We’re not just masking your pain with drugs that could create bigger problems down the line – we’re fixing the underlying issue so you don’t need them in the first place.
That’s the difference between treating symptoms and treating causes.

Flexion-Distraction: The Gentle Giant of Sciatica Relief

Picture this: you’re lying comfortably on a specially designed table that gently stretches and decompresses your spine. No cracking, no sudden movements, no “brace yourself” moments. Just smooth, controlled movement that creates space where your discs need it most.

What makes this brilliant:

Completely painless (honestly, some patients nearly nod off)
Provides significant relief often from the first session
Specifically targets disc compression
Backed by decades of research and our clinical results

Spinal Mobilisation: Why We Choose Finesse Over Force

When it comes to disc problems, gentle mobilisation beats aggressive manipulation hands down. Our instrument-assisted mobilisation works those stiff joints loose gradually, allowing your vertebrae to move freely again and giving those tight muscles a chance to finally relax.

The research backs this up completely

The UK’s official medical guidelines (NICE) confirm that hands-on treatment like spinal manipulation works well for back pain and sciatica – but only when it’s part of a complete treatment plan that includes pain relief, proper advice and exercises.

Even more importantly, a major clinical study found that gentle spinal mobilisation (what we do) is actually more effective than traditional spinal manipulation (the “cracking” approach) specifically for disc problems that cause sciatica.

In plain English: the gentle approach gets better results than the forceful one when your disc is pressing on your nerve. That’s why we choose finesse over force – because the science shows it works better.

Neurodynamic Exercises: Timing Is Everything

Ever heard of “nerve flossing”? It’s exactly what it sounds like – gentle exercises that help your irritated nerve glide freely through its pathway. But here’s the crucial bit: do it too early in your recovery, and you might set yourself back. Do it at the right time with proper guidance and it’s absolute gold.

Our Brighton chiropractors will show you:

Exactly which exercises to do
When to start them (timing is crucial)
How to progress safely
Warning signs to watch for

Core Strengthening: Your Secret Weapon Against Future Flare-ups

We’re not talking about gruelling gym sessions or endless crunches. Simple exercises like planks and “dead bugs” work your abdominal muscles in exactly the right way to support your back and take pressure off those discs. Think of it as building your own internal back brace.

How Quickly Can You Expect Results? (Honest Timelines from Three Decades of Experience)

Let’s Be Realistic About Recovery Times

We’re going to give it to you straight because false hope helps nobody. Sciatica takes time to heal properly – but with the right treatment from an experienced Brighton chiropractic practice, you don’t have to suffer for months on end.

The Natural Timeline (Without Proper Treatment): Most sciatica problems will eventually get better by themselves in around three to four months. That’s a long time to be in agony, especially when you don’t have to be.

The Sundial Timeline (With Expert Treatment):

2-3 weeks: Significant improvement (most patients notice a real difference)
6 weeks: Largely pain-free (back to normal activities)
12 months: Full healing complete (but you’ll be pain-free for most of this time)

Why the difference? Because we’re not just waiting for nature to take its course. We’re actively addressing the problem with proven techniques that speed up your body’s natural healing process.

Sciatica Myths That Keep Brighton Residents in Pain Longer

Time to Bin These Outdated Ideas

Let’s clear up some nonsense. These myths don’t just waste your time – they can actually delay your recovery.

“I’ve Got a Slipped Disc”

The Reality: discs don’t slip. They can’t. This old-fashioned term needs binning. What you’ve actually got is a disc bulge, herniation or prolapse – all fancy ways of saying the same thing. Your disc is still exactly where it should be; it’s just changed shape a bit.

“My Pelvis is Out of Alignment”

The Truth: pelvic “misalignment” is completely normal, and your body handles it brilliantly. Don’t let anyone convince you that your pelvis needs “putting back” – it was never “out” in the first place.

“One Leg is Shorter Than the Other”

The Facts: this is incredibly common and has absolutely nothing to do with disc problems or sciatica. Your body is remarkably good at adapting to small differences. Save your money – you don’t need shoe inserts or manipulation to fix it.

“I Need Surgery”

The Reality Check: probably not. The vast majority of sciatica cases get better without surgery. Even when other treatments haven’t worked, surgery should be a last resort, not the first option someone suggests.

“I Need an X-ray or MRI Scan”

The Surprise: X-rays won’t show disc problems (discs don’t show up on X-rays), and here’s a shocker – 40% of middle-aged people have disc bulges but no pain whatsoever. So MRI scans often don’t change the treatment plan anyway.

What You Can Do Right Now to Help Yourself

Taking Control of Your Recovery

Here’s the empowering bit – you’re not helpless in this. There’s plenty you can do to speed up your recovery and prevent future episodes. But let’s focus on what you CAN do, not just what you can’t.

The Golden Rules of Movement

Stay Active (Within Reason). Don’t wrap yourself in cotton wool. Get back to normal activities, including work, as soon as you reasonably can. You won’t make it worse, and here’s the key insight: you don’t get better in order to go back to work – you go back to work in order to get better.
Avoid Forward Bending (This is Crucial). Bending forwards, especially first thing in the morning when your discs are at their fullest, is like poking a hornets’ nest. Just don’t do it. Your future self will thank you.
Move Every 20-30 Minutes. If you’re stuck at a desk job, set a timer. Get up, have a stretch, walk about. Your spine needs movement, not marathon sitting sessions.

Simple Changes That Make a Real Difference

Maintain Your Natural Back Curve. Your lower back should have a gentle inward curve (lordosis). Slumping flattens this curve and loads up your discs. Think “chest out, shoulders back” – your grandmother was right about posture.
Bin Those Gym Exercises (For Now). Dead lifts and similar exercises that involve bending forwards under load are off the menu whilst you’re recovering. There’ll be time for heavy lifting later.
Morning Caution. Be extra careful first thing in the morning. Your discs absorb fluid overnight and are more vulnerable to injury. Give them an hour or so to settle before any demanding activities.

Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Help

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

Whilst most sciatica is straightforward to treat, there are some symptoms that need immediate attention. If you experience any of these, get medical help urgently:

Cauda Equina Symptoms (This is Serious):

Bowel or bladder problems
Loss of feeling around your bottom or genitals
Weakness, pain or numbness in both legs

Other Red Flags:

Severe, progressive weakness in your leg
Complete loss of sensation
Symptoms that are rapidly getting worse despite treatment

When Surgery Might Be Necessary: Generally, most sciatica doesn’t need surgery. You might need to consider it if your symptoms aren’t improving after 12-16 weeks of proper treatment or if you develop worsening neurological symptoms.

Why Choose Our Brighton Chiropractic Clinic for Your Sciatica?

Three Decades of Getting Results

Look, we could tell you we’re the best chiropractor in Brighton for sciatica, but results speak louder than claims. After 30+ years of treating sciatica in Brighton, our track record speaks for itself:

Faster recovery times than the natural healing process
Proven techniques backed by research and clinical experience
Honest advice about what works (and what doesn’t)
No false promises – just effective treatment and realistic expectations

What Doesn’t Work (So You Don’t Waste Your Time): The research is clear on this: NICE (the UK’s medical guidelines body) recommends against steroid injections and nerve drugs for most cases. Also acupuncture, electrotherapies like ultrasound or TENS machines, back belts and corsets don’t have good evidence for sciatica.

Ready to Get Your Life Back?
If you’re tired of that shooting pain ruling your life, it’s time to do something about it. Our chiropractors in Brighton have the experience, the techniques and the track record to get you back on your feet.

Don’t let sciatica steal another day from you. Book your consultation today and discover why Brighton residents have been trusting us with their backs for over three decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment in Brighton

What is the best treatment for sciatica in Brighton?

The most effective sciatica treatment combines gentle chiropractic techniques including flexion-distraction therapy, spinal mobilisation, and targeted exercises. Research shows that manual therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan provides better results than medication alone. At Sundial Clinicsin Brighton, we use evidence-based methods that typically achieve significant improvement within 2-3 weeks.

How long does sciatica take to heal with chiropractic treatment?

With proper chiropractic treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 2-3 weeks and are largely pain-free within 6 weeks. Without treatment, sciatica naturally takes 3-4 months to resolve. However, complete healing of the disc and nerves can take up to 12 months, though patients remain pain-free for most of this time.

What causes sciatica pain?

Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes include:

Disc bulges (most frequent cause)
Piriformis muscle spasm
Spinal canal narrowing from osteoarthritis
Rarely, more serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention

Do I need surgery for sciatica?

Most sciatica cases do not require surgery. Surgery might only be considered if symptoms don’t improve after 12-16 weeks of proper treatment, or if you develop serious neurological symptoms. The vast majority of patients recover completely with conservative chiropractic treatment.

Should I get an MRI scan for my sciatica?

MRI scans are usually unnecessary for sciatica diagnosis. X-rays don’t show disc problems, and surprisingly, 40% of middle-aged people have disc bulges visible on MRI but experience no pain. Experienced chiropractors can diagnose sciatica through clinical examination and symptom assessment.

What exercises help sciatica recovery?

Effective sciatica exercises include:

Core strengthening exercises (planks, dead bug exercises)
Back extension exercises
Neurodynamic exercises (nerve flossing) – but only when appropriate timing
Avoiding forward bending movements
Maintaining normal lumbar curve (lordosis)

What should I avoid with sciatica?

To promote healing, avoid:

Forward bending, especially in the morning
Prolonged sitting (move every 20-30 minutes)
Heavy lifting and bending
Slumping posture
Certain gym exercises like deadlifts during recovery

Is flexion-distraction therapy painful?

Flexion-distraction therapy is completely painless and gentle. Patients lie comfortably on a special table that creates controlled spinal decompression without any sudden movements or “cracking.” Many patients find it so relaxing they nearly fall asleep during treatment.

How much does sciatica treatment cost in Brighton?

Each treatment session costs £44 and total treatment costs vary depending on how many sessions you need. Most patients see significant improvement within 2-3 weeks. Contact our Brighton clinics for specific pricing information.

Can sciatica come back after treatment?

Sciatica can recur, but proper treatment significantly reduces this risk. Prevention strategies include:

Maintaining strong core muscles
Avoiding excessive forward bending
Proper lifting techniques
Regular movement breaks from sitting
Following post-treatment exercise recommendations

What are the red flag symptoms for sciatica?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Bowel or bladder problems
Loss of feeling around bottom or genitals
Weakness, pain, or numbness in both legs
Rapidly worsening symptoms
Complete loss of sensation in the affected leg

Is chiropractic treatment better than physiotherapy for sciatica?

Research shows that flexion distraction decompression (a chiropractic technique) is more effective than spinal manipulation for disc herniation. Chiropractic care also reduces the likelihood of needing opioid painkillers. The best approach combines manual therapy with exercises and lifestyle modifications. We have physiotherapists at Sundial Clinics in Brighton too so you can get the best of both worlds.

Why choose a Brighton chiropractor for sciatica treatment?

Brighton chiropractors at established clinics like Sundial offer:

Over 30 years of sciatica treatment experience
Evidence-based treatment protocols
Faster recovery times than natural healing
Reduced need for pain medication
Comprehensive approach including education and exercises

Can I work with sciatica?

Yes, returning to work as soon as reasonably possible actually aids recovery. You don’t need to wait until you’re completely better before returning to normal activities. The key principle is: you don’t get better in order to go back to work; you go back to work in order to get better.

What’s the difference between a slipped disc and sciatica?

“Slipped disc” is an outdated term – discs cannot actually slip. The correct terms are disc bulge, herniation, or prolapse. Sciatica is the leg pain that results when these disc problems compress the sciatic nerve. Not all disc problems cause sciatica, and sciatica can have other causes besides disc issues.

Does acupuncture work for sciatica?

Current research shows no good evidence that acupuncture is effective for sciatica. Similarly, electrotherapies like ultrasound or TENS machines, back belts and corsets lack evidence for sciatica treatment. NICE guidelines recommend against steroid injections and certain nerve drugs for most sciatica cases.

About the Author

Matthew Bennett is the founder of Sundial Clinics, Brighton, with over 35 years of chiropractic expertise. A Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractors and former President of the British Chiropractic Association, Matthew has served as team chiropractor for Brighton and Hove Albion FC and the British Alpine Ski Team. He specialises in sports performance, injury prevention, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Matthew regularly lectures healthcare professionals, serves as an expert witness for clinical cases, and has appeared in national media as a chiropractic authority. His commitment to cutting-edge techniques ensures optimal patient outcomes at Sundial Clinics.