Sciatica is not a disease in itself, but a symptom: irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, usually from the lumbar spine. The pain radiates from the buttock through the leg, sometimes into the foot.
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What we do
First find the cause: hernia? Stenosis? Piriformis syndrome? Then treat specifically. For mild sciatica, chiropractic care with targeted stretching exercises is sufficient. For persistent nerve pain, Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT) works very well — small doses of sugar water around the nerve dampen the irritation. For hernia-related sciatica, we follow our hernia protocol with spinal decompression.
Your recovery journey
Each process is tailor-made, but this is what a typical course looks like — from first intake to pain-free. You are not committed to anything and you always know where you stand.
Nerve screening
Straight Leg Raise test, dermatome examination, strength measurement. Excluding red flags (cauda equina). First soft traction.
Decompression + PIT
Decompression sessions 2-3 times a week. For superficial nerve irritation: Perineural Injection Therapy (Dordrecht). Radiance decreases.
Mobilization + exercise
Nerve gliding exercises (slumps, SLR stretches). Activating the glutes (often weak in sciatica). Walking possible again.
Pain-free
No more appearance. You can maintain it yourself with exercises for your core muscles and posture advice.
How the investigation is going
Lying down, we test whether the nerve in your leg is stimulated, using the straight leg test, and we check your reflexes. We also examine the mobility of the back, pelvis and hips. You will always hear what we are researching and why.
Where you are treated
Research and chiropractic care take place in our practice in Rotterdam. The doctors at our practice perform injections: PRP in Dordrecht, prolotherapy in Dordrecht and on Thursdays also in Rotterdam. If treatment in Dordrecht is better suited to your complaint, we will discuss this with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference with “normal” back pain?
Sciatica radiates INTO the leg; ordinary back pain remains in the back.
Can I exercise with sciatica?
Yes — walking and swimming help. Avoid heavy lifting and bending over.
Do painkillers help?
Painkillers can help with acute pain. Discuss with your doctor which medicine is suitable for you.
When to go to the ER?
Sudden loss of strength, urinary incontinence or numbness in the saddle area — these are red flags.
Does sciatica come back?
With exercises for your core muscles and good posture you reduce the chance that the complaint will return.
