Can a Herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica?
Watch the video 'Can a herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica'?
If you’ve felt sharp pain travelling from your lower back into your leg, you might be wondering if it’s sciatica and whether a herniated, slipped or bulging disc is the cause.
At Harpenden Sports & Spinal, we see this every day, and the good news is that most people recover without surgery.
If you know or suspect a disc issue, you can read more here. More information on Herniated Disc Treatment
If you want to understand what's going on and what your can do to fix your disc injury - I'll guide you here.
What is a herniated disc?
Your spine is made of vertebrae separated by discs that act like shock absorbers.
A herniated disc (often called a “slipped disc”) happens when some of the soft inner material pushes through the tougher outer wall.
When this occurs in the lower back, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve. For a deeper dive into symptoms and how to get help, see our page on More information on Herniated Disc Treatment
How does a herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. When a disc presses on this nerve, you may notice:
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Sharp, shooting pain down one leg
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Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness
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Muscle weakness
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Symptoms often worse when sitting, and sometimes eased by standing or gentle walking
This pattern is commonly known as sciatica.
How is it diagnosed?
The most reliable way to confirm a herniated disc is an MRI scan. I can arrange an MRI promptly and using our fast £295 referral referral service ,when it’s clinically appropriate, so you get a clear diagnosis and a precise plan. If your symptoms suggest nerve compression I will guide you through the MRI process and next steps. I will also explain the scans images so you know exactly what is going on and have a clear plan what to do next.
MRI scan being used to diagnose herniated disc
What treatments help?
The good news is most disc injuries improve without surgery. If you have been struggling for over 1 month it may be time to start looking at specific treatment to heal your condition. I'll help you understand the non-surgical route first to heal your disc injury.
IDD Therapy.is a specialist treatment to heal a herniated disc and relieve sciatica symptoms.
What is IDD Therapy?
IDD (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics) Therapy is a gentle, computer-controlled spinal treatment designed specifically for disc problems. It helps to:
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Reduce pressure inside the injured disc
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Rehydrate and heal the disc over time
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Relieve nerve compression, easing sciatica symptoms
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Restore normal spinal movement safely and progressively
Learn exactly how it works, typical treatment plans, and success stories here: Treatment for Herniated disc - IDD Therapy
Many people come to us after other approaches haven’t delivered lasting relief.
With a structured IDD programme, I focus on restoring your disc health and function rather than masking symptoms.
If you’re comparing options, see our dedicated page: IDD Therapy in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire
IDD Therapy for herniated disc treatment in Hertfordshire
Your Next steps
If back and leg pain are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to put up with it.
I can help you get clear about your condition and discuss your options.
For more information you can review our dedicated pages below as a resource
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Disc problems overview: More information on Herniated Disc Treatment
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Treatment pathway: IDD Therapy in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire
f any of this have struck a cord with you and you would like some clarity and and get back to enjoying life and your activities then I have some options;
👉 Click on the link before to find a solution to your pain - either a friendly expect call for more information or if you're ready to book and start treatment immediately! - here's our diary:
📞 Book your consultation today and take the first step towards lasting relief from herniated disc–related sciatica - click a link below:
