Usually not. An MRI is needed if the symptoms are severe or long-lasting or if surgery is being considered. Bulging discs can also show up on scans in people who have no symptoms at all.

Sciatica

Sciatica and osteopathy

Q: How do I know if my pain is sciatica?

Sciatica typically causes pain that clearly radiates from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf or foot. It can come with numbness, tingling or a feeling of weakness in the leg.

Q: Does osteopathy help with sciatica?

Yes. Osteopathic treatment eases protective muscle tension and pain, and guided exercises help the nerve settle and make moving easier. The goal is that you get back to daily life without fear of pain.

Q: What can I do myself?

Several times a day, get into positions that ease your symptoms, and keep moving within the limits of pain. Walking suits most people. Avoid activities that clearly make the pain worse until the symptoms settle. The blog article includes instructions for a nerve gliding exercise.

Sciatica means irritation of the sciatic nerve, felt as pain, numbness or tingling that radiates from the back into the buttock and leg. The most common cause is a bulging disc that presses on or irritates a nerve root in the lower back.

The good news is that most cases of sciatica get better without surgery. Osteopathic treatment and well-chosen exercises calm the irritated nerve and help you get back to normal life.

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Osteopath Jerry Ketola examining the leg and hip movement of a client lying on their back

Help for sciatica from osteopathy

Sciatica almost always causes protective muscle tension in the lower back, buttocks and legs. Osteopathic treatment eases tension and pain and improves the mobility of the back and pelvis.

Just as important is finding the position and direction of movement that relieves pressure on the nerve. Rest alone is rarely the best medicine. Once you can walk, walking is a good first form of exercise.

As the symptoms settle, you also need strengthening exercises, because a pinched nerve can leave weakness in the leg. I coach you through the right exercises and how to progress them.

I have treated back pain and sciatica for over 30 years and co-wrote the book Selkäkipu ja mielen voima (Back Pain and the Power of the Mind, Otava 2017).

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Treatment

How sciatica treatment works

At the first visit we go through the story of your symptoms, and I test how the nerve works and how your back and pelvis move. Based on the examination, we assess whether osteopathic treatment suits your situation or whether you need to see a doctor.

Treatment includes gentle hands-on techniques, joint mobilisation and nerve gliding exercises. You get self-care instructions that are updated as your symptoms ease.

Most cases of sciatica ease within 6–12 weeks with the right treatment and movement.

Safety

When to see a doctor

Go to the emergency department straight away if sciatica comes with difficulty passing urine or controlling your bowels, numbness around the genitals or buttocks, or leg weakness that stops you from walking. You should also see a doctor if:

the pain is unbearable and does not ease with rest or painkillers
the symptoms get worse quickly or affect both legs
you have a fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about sciatica

Answers to the most common questions about sciatica and bulging discs.

How do I know if my pain is sciatica?

How long does sciatica last?

Does osteopathy help with sciatica?

Do I need an MRI?

What can I do myself?

Osteopathy in Helsinki – services and prices

Osteopathy

60 min

€94 / hour

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Personal trainer

PT / programming

€99 / hour

You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.

Booking

Book an appointment online

Choose a suitable time from the calendar. If you can’t find a time that suits you, you can ask about other available times, for example evening appointments, by calling or texting +358 40 557 3874.

You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.

You’re warmly welcome to my clinic at Läkkisepäntie 11 A in Metsälä, Helsinki!

Clinic

How to find us

Osteopath Jerry Ketola
Läkkisepäntie 11 A
00620 Helsinki

The clinic is conveniently located near major junctions in Metsälä, alongside Tuusulantie and close to Käpylä station. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from both Tikkurila and Leppävaara. My osteopathy practice is situated inside the R5 Athletics & Health gym and wellness facilities. Follow the R5 signs to find the entrance and head to the second floor.

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