Arthritis Research UK estimates that “back pain” costs the UK economy up to 20 billion pounds annually, and it's getting worse. Back pain, aches, stiffness, and of course sciatica account for at least half of all people who visit a chiropractor...

Back Pain, Aches and Sciatica

“Back pain” and “Stiffness” are umbrella terms as there are many reasons why pain and stiffness could be caused, much like going to your GP over a rash, any number of ailments could have caused the rash. A chiropractor will need to determine the underlying cause of the pain and stiffness in order to effectively treat your problem.

Chiropractors have been able to help people with back pain, aches, stiffness, and sciatica since the beginning of the 20th Century. Back aches and pain are typically caused by inflammation, either acute or chronic. Sciatica is more often than not caused by the vertebral disc slightly, or greatly, impinging the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve in your lumbar spine. Spinal stenosis (narrowing) of the part of your spine where the nerve passes through may also induce symptoms, or a back injury or trauma could also cause sciatic pain too. This pain is usually characterised by tingling, or a sharp stabbing pain often going down one of your legs, maybe with some numbness and a feeling of weakness in the leg. In this situation, chiropractic treatment has been shown to help reduce and manage the symptoms of sciatica.

If, in addition to the usual sciatic symptoms mentioned above, you have any numbness around your genitals or your bottom near where you poo, sexual problems, or you are having trouble going to the toilet to pass water, or to have a bowel movement and none of this is normal for you beforehand. This could be signs of a serious neurological problem and you should go to A&E immediately, or call for an ambulance.