Can a Herniated disc cause leg pain or sciatica?

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 already suspect a disc issue, you can read more here. More information on Herniated Disc Treatment

MRI scan

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:

Sharp, shooting pain down one leg
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness
Muscle weakness
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. At Harpenden Sports & Spinal, we 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 we 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. At Harpenden Sports & Spinal, our primary non-surgical solution for disc-related back and leg pain is IDD Therapy.

Why IDD Therapy

IDD (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics) Therapy is a gentle, computer-controlled spinal treatment designed specifically for disc problems. It helps to:

Reduce pressure inside the injured disc
Rehydrate and heal the disc over time
Relieve nerve compression, easing sciatica symptoms
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, we focus on restoring disc health and function rather than masking symptoms. If you’re comparing options, see our dedicated page: IDD Therapy in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire

IDD Therapy treatment
IDD Therapy for herniated disc treatment in Hertfordshire

When to seek urgent help

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe, progressive leg weakness
Numbness around the groin or buttocks

These can indicate a rare but serious condition requiring emergency care.

Next steps

If back and leg pain are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to put up with it. We can confirm your diagnosis with MRI when needed and provide a targeted, non-surgical plan with IDD Therapy. Start by exploring our resources:

Disc problems overview: More information on Herniated Disc Treatment
Treatment pathway: IDD Therapy in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire

📞 Book your consultation today and take the first step towards lasting relief from herniated disc–related sciatica - click a link below: