Sciatica & Osteopathy in Kyoto | OQ Clinic English

Sciatica & Leg Pain

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lumbar spine through the buttock and down the leg to the foot. When it is irritated anywhere along this path, pain, numbness, or tingling follows the nerve’s distribution.

The Common Assumption — and Its Limits

“You have sciatica because of a disc herniation pressing on the nerve” is a common explanation. It is sometimes correct. But two important facts complicate this narrative:

1. Many people with disc herniation on MRI have no sciatic symptoms.
2. Many people with clear sciatic symptoms have normal MRI findings.

This means the disc is not always the whole story.

Other Causes Worth Investigating

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle lies deep in the buttock, adjacent to (or passing through) the sciatic nerve in many people. Trigger points or spasm in this muscle can compress the nerve without any disc involvement.

Pelvic and Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Asymmetrical loading of the pelvis and sacrum changes the tension environment of the soft tissues around the nerve.

Visceral Referral

In women, uterine ligament tension or pelvic organ mobility restrictions can produce symptoms that follow the sciatic distribution.

Fascial Restriction

The posterior myofascial lines run from the sole of the foot through the hamstrings, across the sacrum, and into the lumbar fascia. Restriction anywhere along this chain can contribute to sciatic symptoms.

OQ’s Approach

We assess the whole mechanical and neural picture:

• Lumbar and sacral mobility
• Piriformis and deep hip rotator assessment
• Pelvic alignment
• Visceral mobility (where relevant)
• Gait pattern and lower limb biomechanics

Related pages

• First visit — what to expect
• What is osteopathy?
• OQ English top page