Sciatica and leg pain
Chiropractic or osteopathy may be appropriate for some people experiencing sciatica or other types of leg pain—but it depends on what is causing the symptoms.
At The Hive Health, we’ll begin by listening to what you’re experiencing and carrying out an appropriate assessment. If we think you’re in the right place, we’ll explain our findings and discuss your options. If we don’t, we’ll tell you and advise, signpost or refer you as appropriate.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression affecting the sciatic nerve. Symptoms commonly travel through the buttock and down the back of one leg and may include pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.
However, not all pain felt in the leg is sciatica. An assessment helps us understand the likely cause and whether chiropractic or osteopathy may be appropriate.
Should I book Chiropractic or Osteopathy?
You don’t need to work out which profession your condition “belongs” to before booking.
For the problems we commonly see at The Hive Health, there isn’t a condition that automatically needs to be seen by a chiropractor rather than an osteopath—or vice versa. Both are regulated healthcare professions, and although there are some differences in training and clinical approach, there is considerable overlap in how our chiropractors and osteopath assess and treat people.
In practice, the individual practitioner—their experience, treatment style and approach—often matters more than their professional title.
We also work as a team. If your practitioner believes that another member of the team or a different healthcare service would be better suited to your needs, they’ll explain why and help direct you appropriately.
What if you can't help me?
If we don’t believe treatment at The Hive Health is appropriate, we’ll explain why.
Depending on what we find, we may advise you to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional, or recommend a different service. Where appropriate, and with your consent, we can also write to another healthcare professional about our findings.
We’ll only recommend treatment when we believe it is suitable and necessary for you.
What if I'm nervous about treatment?
Please tell us. It is completely reasonable to have questions or concerns, particularly if you haven’t visited a chiropractor or osteopath before.
Your practitioner will explain the techniques they recommend and adapt their approach to you. Manipulation is not compulsory, and treatment will only go ahead with your consent.
You can ask questions, express a preference or change your mind at any point.