Low back, hip, leg and foot symptoms can belong to one connected story.
Home / How We Help / Sciatica
Sciatica • Leg Pain • Nerve IrritationSciatica should not decide how far you can walk.
Sciatica is a pattern—not simply a painful leg. The pain may begin in the lower back or hip and travel along the sciatic nerve into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot.
Movement • Function • Confidence20+ Years Experience
Trace the path. Assess the lower back, hips, movement and nerve signs together.
Follow The Symptom Path
Leg symptoms can travel in different patterns.
Select the region that best matches what you notice. The route helps explain why a careful examination matters when several conditions can feel similar.
Select a card
Lower back
Symptoms may begin with back discomfort or appear mainly in the leg.
Why this matters: New weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Explore Sciatica PatternsLocation, triggers and neurological signs matter.
Assessment built around your pattern.
What It Can Feel Like
Symptoms that deserve a closer look.
The same condition can feel different from person to person. The pattern, timing, triggers and effect on daily life all matter.
✓Sharp or burning leg pain
✓Pain from the back or hip into the foot
✓Pins and needles or numbness
✓Pain aggravated by sitting
✓Weakness or heaviness in the leg
✓Difficulty walking, sleeping or driving
What May Be Contributing
Look beyond the sore spot. Understand the pattern.
Symptoms often reflect a combination of movement, load, tissue irritation, compensation and health history.
01
Disc irritation
A disc can irritate a nerve root that contributes to the sciatic nerve.
02
Spinal stenosis
Reduced space around nerves may produce leg symptoms.
03
Joint and movement dysfunction
Restricted movement may increase load or compensation.
04
Muscle and hip factors
Tension and altered hip mechanics can influence the pattern.
05
Repetitive load
Long sitting, lifting or deconditioning may contribute.
06
Past injury
Previous back or pelvic injuries can shape current movement.
How We Assess It
Sciatica care must follow the nerve pattern—not chase the painful spot.
The examination looks at the lower back, hips, posture, spinal movement, neurological signs and how symptoms change with sitting, walking and daily tasks. Dr. Kelly explains whether the pattern appears suitable for conservative chiropractic care or requires referral.
1Your story: when it started, what changes it and what it is stopping you from doing.
2Movement and function: range, control, compensation and the areas under stress.
3Visible posture information: digital scans support the findings review as part of the wider picture.
Know when this needs urgent medical care.
Chiropractic pages should never hide the signals that require a different level of care. Seek urgent assessment for:
- sciatica on both sides
- severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs
- numbness around the genitals or bottom
- difficulty starting urination or loss of bladder control
- loss of bowel control
Your Path Forward
It is easy to get started.
A focused process that moves from uncertainty to a clear recommendation.
Tell Your Story
Explain the symptoms, changes, goals and what “better” needs to let you do again.
Complete Your Evaluation
Review movement, function, posture and the areas that appear restricted or guarded.
See The Findings
Understand what was found and how it may relate to what you are feeling.
Know Your Options
Leave knowing what Dr. Kelly recommends, why, and what happens next.
Dr. Eric Kelly · 20+ Years
Meet Your Chiropractor
Clinical experience—and the time to understand your full picture.
Dr. Eric Kelly has spent more than two decades helping people understand pain, movement and spinal function. His role is not to sell every visitor the same answer. It is to examine carefully, explain clearly and recommend the route that makes sense.
Patient Reviews
Real experiences. Real words. Real confidence.
★★★★★
“The most thorough exam I’ve personally ever had. He actually listened.”— Nancy B.
★★★★★
“In weeks, pain and tension eased, mobility improved, and I’m sleeping better.”— Colin Paul
★★★★★
“Very friendly team who explained everything clearly.”— Sinead Collins
Trusted by patients across Glanmire · Sallybrook · Glyntown · Cork City · Little Island
Keep Exploring
Related answers for the same body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers before you book.
This is where the organic service pages go deeper than the ad landing pages—without burying the main decision.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. Pain may travel from the lower back or hip into the leg.
Can chiropractic care help sciatica?
Some people with appropriate mechanical or spinal contributors may benefit from conservative care. The examination must first identify red flags and the likely source.
Is sciatica always caused by a slipped disc?
No. Disc irritation is one cause, but spinal narrowing, joint changes and other factors can create similar symptoms.
Should I walk when I have sciatica?
Gentle activity is often preferable to prolonged bed rest, but the amount and type of activity should match your symptoms and medical history.
Can sciatica cause numbness or weakness?
Yes. Nerve irritation can produce altered sensation or weakness. Progressive weakness needs prompt medical assessment.
Do posture scans show nerve compression?
No. Digital posture scans provide posture context; they do not image discs or nerves. Clinical examination and, when appropriate, medical imaging are different tools.
How long does sciatica last?
Duration varies widely. The cause, severity, health history and response to care all matter.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Bilateral symptoms, saddle numbness, bladder or bowel changes, or severe worsening weakness require emergency medical care.
Sources and further reading: NHS: Sciatica · HSE: Back pain. General information only; urgent or changing symptoms require appropriate medical assessment.
Get checked. Get clear. Know your next move.
Book your €39 New Patient Experience with Dr. Eric Kelly at Eastcliffe House in Glanmire.