Well… we survived the 312 in Mallorca.
Sunday was a write off. My legs genuinely didn’t feel like they belonged to me. Walking down stairs was an event in itself. It was an incredible experience and something I’m very glad to have ticked off.
Straight back into normal life now though, which always comes around quickly!
A huge shoutout as well to Charlotte’s brother, who completed the London Marathon on Sunday. Honestly, such an amazing achievement, especially considering that four months ago, the furthest he’d ever run was 3K. To go from that to a full marathon is seriously impressive. We’re all incredibly proud of him.
Back in the clinic, the team never stands still. This week, our chiropractors are heading off to a seminar with a well renowned American chiropractor, focusing on improving techniques and learning new approaches to care. It’s something we’re really passionate about, continually improving, refining what we do and bringing back the best possible care for you.
We never want to stand still as a clinic. There’s always something new to learn, something to get better at and that’s exactly what keeps things moving forward.
Just a quick reminder that we’re open tomorrow from 8am–4pm across both clinics, so if you need anything before the next break or want to get yourself sorted, just let us know and we’ll get you booked in.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon, hopefully with slightly less sore legs this time!
Ever felt a sharp, shooting pain travel from your lower back down into your leg? You’re not alone and you’re not imagining it either! I see this quite often in clinic and many patients come in worried that something serious is going on. In many cases, what they’re experiencing is sciatica.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what sciatica actually is, how it differs from other types of pain like kidney pain or general low back pain and what you can do if you’re dealing with it.
What Is Kidney Pain?
Before we dive deeper into sciatica, it’s helpful to understand another common source of back discomfort, kidney pain.
Kidney pain typically comes from issues like infection, kidney stones or inflammation. Unlike musculoskeletal pain, it’s related to your internal organs rather than your spine or muscles.
Symptoms of Kidney Pain
- A deep, dull ache in the upper back or flank (just below the ribs)
- Pain often felt on one side
- Fever or chills (if infection is present)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain that doesn’t change much with movement
What Is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is one of the most common issues I see in clinic. It can come from muscles, joints, discs or ligaments in the spine.
Symptoms of Low Back Pain
- Localised aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Pain that worsens with movement or certain positions
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Difficulty standing up straight or bending
Sometimes, what people think is “just back pain” can actually involve nerve irritation and this is where sciatica comes in.
How to Tell the Difference Between Low Back Pain and Kidney Pain
This is a question I get all the time and it’s an important one.
Here are a few simple ways to distinguish them:
- Location
- Kidney pain: Higher up, under the ribs
- Low back pain: Lower down, around the lumbar spine
- Movement
- Kidney pain: Doesn’t change much with movement
- Low back pain: Often improves or worsens depending on posture or activity
- Other symptoms
- Kidney pain: May include fever, nausea or urinary issues
- Low back pain: Typically mechanical, without systemic symptoms
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to get checked properly.
What Is Sciatica?
Now let’s get into the main topic.
Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from your lower back, through your hips, buttocks and down each leg.
When this nerve becomes irritated, often due to a disc bulge or spinal misalignment, it can cause pain that travels along its path.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Patients often describe sciatica as:
- A sharp, shooting pain down one leg
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Pins and needles in the foot or calf
- Weakness in the leg
Unlike general back pain, sciatica usually affects one side and travels beyond the lower back. It can go in to both legs occassionally, this can be more serious.
How Does Sciatica Happen?
In my experience, sciatica is rarely “random.” It’s usually the result of underlying stress in the spine building up over time.
Common causes include:
- Disc bulges or herniations pressing on the nerve
- Poor posture (especially prolonged sitting)
- Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
- Lack of movement or spinal stiffness
Sometimes, the body responds with muscle spasms as a protective mechanism. As explained in one of our clinic resources, these spasms aren’t the root problem—they’re the body trying to guard the spine and nervous system.
I Might Have Kidney Pain; What Do I Do?
If you suspect kidney pain:
- Monitor for symptoms like fever or nausea
- Stay hydrated
- Seek medical advice promptly, especially if symptoms are severe
What Does Kidney Pain Feel Like?
It’s usually a deep, constant ache, rather than a sharp or movement related pain.
How Does Kidney Pain Happen?
It often results from:
- Infections
- Kidney stones
- Inflammation
How Can I Get Kidney Pain Fixed?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Antibiotics (for infection)
- Medical procedures (for stones)
- Supportive care
Kidney Pain FAQs
How do you tell if kidney pain is serious?
If it’s accompanied by fever, vomiting or severe pain, it should be assessed urgently.
What are the signs of kidney pain?
Deep flank pain, systemic symptoms and no change with movement.
Can you exercise with kidney pain?
It’s best to avoid exercise until you’ve been properly assessed.
I Might Have Low Back Pain; What Do I Do?
For most cases of low back pain:
- Keep gently moving (avoid prolonged rest)
- Use ice in the early stages if inflamed
- Avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements
What Does Low Back Pain Feel Like?
It can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort, often worse with certain movements.
How Does Low Back Pain Happen?
Low back pain is often linked to:
- Poor posture
- Weak or imbalanced muscles
- Spinal misalignment
- Sudden strain or overload
How Can I Find a Solution to My Low Back Pain?
In clinic, we focus on:
- Restoring proper spinal movement with gentle adjustments
- Reducing nerve irritation
- Improving strength and mobility through rehab exercises
Low Back Pain FAQs
What causes low back pain?
A combination of mechanical stress, posture and movement patterns.
What should I not do with low back pain?
Avoid prolonged sitting, heavy lifting and ignoring the problem.
How can I relieve low back pain?
Movement, targeted exercises and professional care can help.
What exercises can I do?
Simple movements like:
- Cat camel stretches
- Child’s pose
- Gentle mobility work
These can help reduce pressure and improve flexibility.
So Where Does Sciatica Fit Into All This?
Sciatica is essentially a specific type of nerve related low back condition.
Think of it like this:
- Low back pain = general area problem
- Sciatica = nerve involvement causing radiating symptoms
It’s important not to ignore it, especially if symptoms are travelling down the leg or worsening over time.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Sciatica?
In clinic, our goal is to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Depending on the case, this may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments to improve alignment
- Spinal decompression therapy to reduce disc pressure
- Targeted rehab exercises to support long term stability
We always tailor care to the individual and while many patients experience relief, it’s important to remember that outcomes vary.
Final Thoughts
Sciatica can feel worrying, especially when the pain travels down your leg or affects your daily life. The good news is that, in many cases, it responds very well to the right kind of care and guidance.
If you’re unsure whether your pain is coming from your back, your kidneys or something else entirely, don’t guess, get it checked properly!
If this sounds like something you’ve been dealing with, I’d encourage you to book a discovery visit with us. We’ll take the time to understand what’s going on and guide you toward the right next steps for your body.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Kidney pain vs. back pain: How to tell the difference.
- Mayo Clinic Staff et al. (2024). Sciatica. Mayo Clinic.
- National Health Service (NHS) et al. (2023a). Back pain. NHS.
- National Health Service (NHS) et al. (2023b). Sciatica. NHS.
- World Health Organization et al. (2023). Musculoskeletal conditions. WHO.
