What Is Sciatica / Slipped Disc / Pinched Nerves
- Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often causing pain, tingling or numbness down the leg.
- Slipped (herniated) discs occur when disc material pushes outward and presses on nerves.
- A pinched nerve is when nearby tissues (bones, discs, muscles) press on a nerve, often causing localized pain, weakness, or sensory changes.
Why It Happens
- Heavy lifting, twisting motions, poor posture or sudden movements
- Prolonged sitting (especially in poor posture) increases disc pressure and nerve irritation Core Concepts Physiotherapy+1
- Degeneration, wear-and-tear of spinal discs with age SingHealth
- Obesity, sedentary lifestyle or repetitive strain artisanorthopaedics.sg+1
Local / Singapore Data & Context
- As many as 40% of people may experience sciatica at some point in life. macquariechiropractic.com
- Sciatica complaints are rising in fast-paced, desk-bound Singapore work culture. macquariechiropractic.com
- Lumbar spine degeneration — a major underlying factor — is increasing locally, with back pain and sciatica being two of the most common presentations. SingHealth
How Chiropractic Works Helps
- Gentle spinal adjustments to relieve nerve pressure
- Disc decompression techniques and mobilisations
- Soft tissue therapy to address surrounding muscles and tension
- Therapeutic rehab: core strengthening, nerve gliding, posture correction
- Lifestyle coaching: sitting habits, ergonomics, movement breaks
What to Expect (Journey)
FAQ
Q1: Can chiropractic make a slipped disc worse?
A1: When done correctly and safely, chiropractic care focuses on decompression and relief — we avoid techniques that aggravate disc herniation.
Q2: Will I feel pain during adjustments?
A2: Most patients feel relief. Occasionally there’s mild soreness after care — similar to how muscles feel after a workout.
Q3: How long before I can walk comfortably?
A3: Many begin seeing improvement in a few sessions; full recovery depends on severity and consistency.
Q4: Can I avoid surgery?
A4: Often yes. Many cases resolve with conservative care. But we always monitor red flags and refer when necessary.
Q5: Do I need imaging / MRI first?
A5: Not always. We evaluate clinically first. We may recommend imaging if there are red flags (e.g. progressive weakness, bladder changes).
What's Next:
Don’t let sciatica dominate your life. Get a precise evaluation and care plan to reduce pain and restore function.