Watch the video 'What are the symptoms of sciatica and can a private clinic help?'

If you’ve ever felt sharp, shooting pain travelling from your lower back into your leg, you may be experiencing sciatica.

It can really effect your quality of life and ability to sleep well, do your job, look after children or grandchildren and do the activities you love. 

I'm going to help you understand what sciatica is but more importantly how you can get help. 

Sciatica is is one of the most common conditions we see at Harpenden Sports & Spinal, and the good news is that effective treatment is available at a private clinic without needing surgery.

 Find out more about Sciatica and Disc Pain

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is the name for pain that comes from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve  - the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower spine, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.

When a disc in the spine bulges or herniates, or if there’s narrowing of the sp...

Watch the video - what is the best treatment for sciatica in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire?

Are you wondering what the best type of treatment is for sciatica and you live in the Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire area?

You’re in the right place.

I've been a specialist in sciatica pain for over a decade and  I know its a minefield of advice out there and a lot is not helpful. .So, I've put together a sciatica guide to simplify it for you so you know your next right step.

First: what is sciatica (and how it feels)

Sciatica is that sharp, shooting pain from your buttock down the leg. Because the sciatic nerve is involved, you may also feel:

• Burning, tingling, pins and needles

• Altered sensation or numbness

• Loss of strength/power in the leg

A common cause is a disc problem (slipped/herniated/prolapsed), though there are other reasons too.

Two phases to think about: acute vs. chronic

1) Acute phase (roughly the first 4 weeks)

Your body is in a rapid healing phase.

Su...