Sciatica can be exhausting. A sharp, shooting pain down your leg. Pins and needles you cannot shake off. Pain that makes sitting, standing or sleeping uncomfortable.
You do not have to push through it on your own.
At Maidenhead Chiropractic Clinic, we will take the time to listen, assess how you are moving and explain what may be causing your symptoms. You will leave with clear answers and a plan built around you.
Evening and weekend appointments are available.
GCC-registered chiropractors | Gentle treatment options | Evening and weekend appointments
What sciatica actually is
Sciatica is the name for symptoms that happen when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through each leg, is irritated or compressed.
It is usually a sign of something happening in the lower back rather than a problem with the leg itself. Common contributors include a bulging or irritated disc, tightness in the surrounding muscles, or general wear and stiffness in the lower spine.
You may notice:
- a shooting or burning pain that travels from your lower back into your buttock or leg
- pins and needles or tingling down the leg
- numbness or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot
- pain that is worse when sitting, standing for long periods or bending
- discomfort that makes it hard to get comfortable in bed
Sciatica can settle on its own, but when it lingers or keeps returning, it is worth having it properly assessed.
A personal approach to sciatica care
I am Francesca, one of the chiropractors at Maidenhead Chiropractic Clinic.
When someone comes in with sciatica, I start by listening. I will ask how it started, where the pain travels, what makes it better or worse and how it is affecting your day. Then we look at how your lower back, hips and surrounding muscles are moving.
Once I understand what is going on, I will explain it in plain English and tell you honestly whether I think chiropractic care can help. Where it is suitable, your plan may include gentle hands-on treatment, movement advice and simple exercises to do at home. You can read more about our chiropractic care in Maidenhead and about back pain treatment, which often goes hand in hand with sciatica.
The aim is to help relieve your symptoms, get you moving more comfortably and give you practical ways to manage things between appointments.
Worried that treatment will be too much?
Please tell us.
Sciatica can leave the area feeling sensitive, and some people worry about forceful techniques. We use a broad range of approaches, including gentle, low-force options, and we adapt everything to your body and what you feel comfortable with. Nothing happens without us explaining it first.
What happens at your first appointment?
Your first appointment gives us time to understand what has been happening and decide whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
We listen
We talk through your symptoms, your health and what you want to get back to doing.
We assess
Your chiropractor carries out a thorough examination, looking at your movement, your lower back and hips, and any nerve-related signs.
We explain
We tell you what we have found in clear language. If we think another healthcare professional is better placed to help, we will say so.
We agree on a plan
Where appropriate, treatment may begin during your first visit, and you will leave with a clear plan.
Start with a £20 Spinal Screen
Not sure whether to book a full consultation? A £20 Spinal Screen is a relaxed, no-obligation appointment where you can talk to us about your symptoms and ask whether chiropractic care may be suitable. If you go on to book a full consultation, the £20 is put towards it.
When sciatica needs urgent medical attention
Most sciatica is not caused by anything serious. However, some symptoms need urgent assessment.
Please seek urgent medical help rather than booking a routine appointment if your symptoms include:
- a sudden change in bladder or bowel control
- numbness around your bottom, genitals or inner thighs
- weakness in both legs, or rapidly worsening weakness
- numbness or pins and needles affecting both legs
- difficulty walking
- pain following a significant accident or injury
These do not always mean something serious, but they should be checked promptly.
Meet Francesca
Francesca is a registered chiropractor who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic.
Her interest has never been limited to one type of patient or one type of problem. She enjoys the variety of chiropractic practice and working with people of different ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.
During her training, Francesca particularly enjoyed her paediatric placement. She found it incredibly rewarding to support children and their families with their health and wellbeing.
Today, she works with people of all ages and draws on a broad toolbox of techniques to adapt care to each person.
Outside the clinic, Francesca has a deep love of sport. She has competed nationally in taekwondo and still enjoys going to the gym. When she isn’t training, there’s a good chance she’ll be baking something delicious.
“My favourite part of the job is getting to know the person behind the pain. Everyone is different, so their care should be too.”
Frequently asked questions
Ready to get your sciatica looked at?
You do not have to keep putting up with the pain. Book a full consultation with one of our Maidenhead chiropractors, or start with a £20 Spinal Screen if you would prefer an informal chat first.
Or call us on 01628 879580.
Maidenhead Chiropractic Clinic, Castle Royle, Bath Road, Knowl Hill, RG10 9XA
Written and reviewed by Francesca Allison-Lewis, registered chiropractor. Last reviewed: June 2026.