Sciatica Treatment
in Oxford
Persistent pain running from your lower back down your leg? You may be suffering from sciatica. At Northwood Chiropractic, Dr. Steve Hulme uses the precise Gonstead System to identify the root cause of your sciatic nerve pain — and correct it for lasting relief.
Oxford Chiropractor
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis — it is a description of a symptom: pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from your lower back (L4–S3), through your buttock, down the back of your leg, and into your foot.
Because sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition, effective sciatica treatment depends entirely on identifying its root cause. The same shooting leg pain can stem from very different spinal problems — which is why a detailed, precision-based assessment is essential before any treatment begins.
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, every patient with sciatica receives a thorough examination — including nerve scans, neurological testing, and where clinically indicated, digital X-rays — to pinpoint exactly what is irritating the sciatic nerve.
Common Sciatica Symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back into the leg or foot
- Burning or electric-shock sensation down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the buttock, leg, or toes
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain worse when sitting, standing for long periods, or coughing
- Difficulty walking or standing upright
- Symptoms typically on one side of the body only
Who Gets Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Disc herniations — the most common cause of sciatica — peak between the ages of 30 and 60, often triggered by lifting, prolonged sitting, or repetitive bending.
Prolonged sitting increases pressure on lumbar discs and tightens hip flexors, making sedentary office workers particularly prone to sciatic nerve compression.
Heavy lifting, twisting, and vibration from machinery all increase the risk of disc herniation and the sciatic pain that follows.
Lumbar stenosis — spinal narrowing through age-related degeneration — becomes more common with age and is a leading cause of sciatica in older adults.
Postural changes and extra weight during pregnancy can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, and weakness in the legs.
Piriformis syndrome and disc injuries from impact sports can mimic or cause true sciatica, requiring careful assessment to distinguish the cause.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica typically results from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve where it originates in the lower back (L4–S3). Through our detailed Gonstead assessment, we most commonly identify two causes:
Disc Herniation
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like disc between two vertebrae bulges or ruptures, pressing directly on the nearby sciatic nerve root. This is the most common cause of sciatica in adults under 60.
- Most common between ages 20–60
- Typically worse when sitting and bending forward
- Often more painful in the morning
- Pain usually improves with walking
- May cause leg weakness or foot drop in severe cases
Lumbar Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis develops through spinal degeneration — wear, tear, or arthritis — causing narrowing of the channel through which the sciatic nerve exits the spine. More common in older adults.
- Usually affects those aged 60 and over
- Can affect one or both legs
- Typically worsens with walking or standing
- Often improves dramatically with sitting
- May limit walking distance before requiring rest
Chiropractic Treatment
for Sciatica
Not all sciatica is the same, and not all chiropractic treatment is the same. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we use the Gonstead System — widely regarded as the gold standard of chiropractic care — to identify the precise level of nerve pressure causing your sciatica and correct it with targeted adjustments.
Unlike general manipulation, Gonstead adjustments are specific, controlled, and based on a five-point analysis that accounts for the biomechanics of your individual spine. This precision means faster, more predictable results.
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1
Nerve Scan (Nervoscope)
Detects temperature differentials along the spine, indicating nerve irritation — pinpointing the exact affected level without guesswork.
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2
Digital X-Ray Analysis
Where clinically indicated, X-rays allow us to visualise disc space reduction, joint degeneration, and postural changes contributing to nerve compression.
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3
Neurological Testing
Reflex, sensation, and strength testing confirms which nerve root is affected and rules out conditions requiring referral.
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4
Gait & Movement Evaluation
How you walk and move reveals compensations and biomechanical patterns that contribute to ongoing sciatic nerve irritation.
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5
Clear, Personalised Treatment Plan
We explain exactly what we find, what is causing your sciatica, and precisely what we recommend — with no unnecessary treatment.
Thank you Dr Steven for helping me with my sciatica. I am completely healed. Also appreciate the immense help with exercise recommendations and support. I highly recommend.
Sciatica & Chiropractic — FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic care — particularly the Gonstead System — can be highly effective for sciatica caused by disc herniation or lumbar stenosis. By identifying and correcting spinal misalignments that compress the sciatic nerve, chiropractic adjustments aim to reduce nerve irritation and restore normal function without drugs or surgery. The first step is a thorough assessment to establish whether chiropractic is appropriate for your specific case.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly caused by a disc herniation or lumbar stenosis placing pressure on the sciatic nerve as it exits the lower spine (L4–S3). Other causes include piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, and spinal degeneration. Because the same symptoms can arise from different problems, a precise diagnosis is essential — generic treatment without knowing the cause is unlikely to give lasting results.
My GP told me not to see a chiropractor — should I still come?
This is a common concern and worth taking seriously. GPs are highly trained generalists, and their caution often comes from unfamiliarity with modern chiropractic rather than evidence that it causes harm. A thorough assessment — including neurological testing and X-rays where needed — gives both you and your GP far more information about what is actually happening with your spine. Many patients find that their GP is much more supportive once they have a clear diagnosis and structured care plan in hand. If in doubt, we're always happy to discuss your case before you commit to anything.
Is chiropractic treatment safe for sciatica?
Chiropractic treatment for sciatica is widely recognised as safe when delivered by a qualified, registered practitioner. At Northwood Chiropractic, every patient undergoes a detailed assessment — including nerve scans and neurological testing — before any treatment begins. This ensures your care is appropriate, specific, and informed by a clear understanding of your condition.
What is the difference between sciatica and general back pain?
General back pain stays localised to the lower back. Sciatica is characterised by pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg — sometimes as far as the foot. This radiation pattern indicates nerve root compression or irritation rather than simple muscular back pain, and it requires a different diagnostic and treatment approach.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
The answer depends entirely on the cause of your sciatica. Disc herniations often respond better to gentle movement, whereas some stenosis presentations improve with rest. This is one of the key reasons a precise diagnosis matters so much — well-meaning but generic advice can make certain forms of sciatica significantly worse. We will advise you specifically based on your examination findings.
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