At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we have spent over 26 years helping thousands of patients avoid surgery and reclaim their lives from chronic nerve pain
Are you experiencing a sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg? Does sitting for more than ten minutes feel like an impossible task? You aren’t alone. Sciatica is one of the most common reasons patients visit our clinics in Limerick (Dooradoyle) and Charleville.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest in your body, branching from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Typically, sciatica occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur, or muscle tension (like Piriformis Syndrome) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue. In our Limerick and Charleville clinics, we most commonly see patients suffering due to one of the following four triggers:
1. Bulging or Herniated Discs
The discs in your spine act as shock absorbers. If a disc “slips” or bulges, it can press directly against the sciatic nerve root. This is the most common cause we treat, often resulting from heavy lifting or sudden twisting.
2. Spinal Stenosis
Commonly seen in older adults, this is a gradual narrowing of the passages in your spine. As the space shrinks, it “crowds” the nerves, leading to that tell-tale radiating pain.
3. Piriformis Syndrome
The sciatic nerve actually runs right under (and sometimes through) the piriformis muscle in your buttock. If this muscle becomes tight or spasms—common in runners or those with sedentary office jobs—it can “strangle” the nerve.
4. Spondylolisthesis
This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, often due to wear and tear or a stress fracture, which pinches the nerve exit point.
Common Symptoms
Radiating Pain: A “zip” of electricity or a dull ache from the lower spine to the calf.
Numbness or Tingling: “Pins and needles” in the foot or toes.
Weakness: Difficulty moving the leg or foot.
Positional Pain: Discomfort that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
Our Holistic Approach to Sciatica Relief
Don Kelly believes in treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our “Better Movement” philosophy combines traditional physiotherapy with advanced needle techniques to provide faster, more sustainable results.
1. The McKenzie Method
We utilize the world-renowned McKenzie Method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy). By identifying specific movements that “centralize” your pain—moving it from your leg back up to your lower back—we empower you with the tools to manage and prevent future flare-ups.
2. Specialized Dry Needling & Acupuncture
While often confused, these two therapies work hand-in-hand at our clinic:
Dry Needling: Targets “trigger points” in the glutes and piriformis to release muscle knots that may be strangling the sciatic nerve.
Acupuncture: Focuses on balancing the body’s energy and triggering the release of natural painkillers (endorphins) to soothe chronic inflammation.
3. Custom Orthotics & Gait Analysis
Sometimes, the root of back pain starts at the feet. If your stride is misaligned, it can put unnecessary pressure on your lumbar spine. We provide expert gait analysis and custom-molded orthotics to ensure your foundation is solid.
Why Choose Don Kelly Physiotherapy?
With over 80,000 happy clients helped over nearly three decades, Don Kelly is a recognized specialist in pain relief across Munster.
Local & Accessible: Convenient clinics in Dooradoyle, Limerick and Charleville, Co. Cork.
Non-Invasive: Our goal is to keep you away from injections and unnecessary surgeries.
Personalized Care: Your first session includes a comprehensive 1-on-1 assessment to create a plan tailored to your specific lifestyle.
Book Your Consultation Today
Don’t let sciatica control your life any longer.
