Back pain and sciatica can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to put up with it. Our experienced Edinburgh chiropractors help you understand what’s going on and start feeling better quickly.
Expert Back Pain & Sciatica Care in Morningside, Edinburgh (EH10)
If you’re struggling with low back pain or sciatica in South Edinburgh, you’re not alone — and help is close by. Low back pain is a global health concern, and is the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Furthermore, the lifetime prevalence of sciatica is estimated to affect up to 40% of the UK population.
At Morningside Chiropractic, our experienced team has helped thousands of people across Morningside, Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Fairmilehead, Merchiston and Colinton recover from back pain, trapped nerves, disc-related symptoms and leg pain.
Sudden sharp pain when bending, lifting or twisting
Pain radiating into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot
Pins and needles or numbness down one leg
Stiffness getting out of bed or after sitting
A sensation of the back “locking” or “catching”
If this sounds familiar, our chiropractors can help identify the underlying cause and create a personalised plan to help you recover.
Some people with back pain also experience leg pain or sciatica. If leg pain or sciatica is your main symptom, you may find our specific sciatica treatment page more relevant.
Red Flags: When You Should Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most episodes of low back pain and sciatica are not serious, there are certain symptoms that require urgent medical assessment. You should seek immediate help from your GP, NHS 111, or A&E if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or buttocks (saddle numbness), progressive weakness in one or both legs, severe unrelenting pain that does not ease, or back pain associated with fever, unexplained weight loss, recent trauma, or a history of cancer. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition and are not suitable for chiropractic treatment without medical assessment first.
What Usually causes Low Back Pain?
Back pain can start suddenly, build up over time, or flare up repeatedly. Understanding the underlying pattern helps us treat it more effectively.
Low back pain can arise from several structures including the facet joints, sacroiliac (SI) joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles and the nerves that run through the lower back.
Chronic (long-term) back pain – when symptoms creep up gradually
For many people in Edinburgh, back pain develops slowly due to:
✔ Sedentary work and long hours at the computer
✔ Poor posture or ergonomics
✔ Repetitive movements or manual handling
✔ Previous injuries that never fully healed
✔ Weak or deconditioned core and hip muscles
Left untreated, chronic back pain can become progressively more limiting – but with the right care, most people improve significantly.
Acute (sudden) back pain – when the back “goes”
Acute episodes often follow:
✔ A sudden twist or awkward movement
✔ Lifting something heavy
✔ Sports injuries
✔ Slipping or tripping
✔ Waking up after sleeping awkwardly
This type of pain is usually related to irritation of joints, discs or surrounding soft tissues. Acute pain can be severe, but responds very well to chiropractic care.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve – the large nerve running from your lower back through your hips, buttocks and down each leg.
Common sciatica symptoms include:
Sharp, shooting pain into the buttock or leg
Numbness, tingling or “pins and needles”
Weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing or bending
Pain on one side more than the other
Causes of sciatica often include:
Disc bulges/prolapses placing pressure on the sciatic nerve
Joint irritation in the lower spine
Muscle tightening or spasm, especially around the gluteals
Inflammation of surrounding tissues
Our highly experienced team of chiropractors are trained to differentiate true sciatica from other causes of leg pain and provide targeted, evidence-based treatment.
Not all leg pain is true sciatica. Sciatica follows a very specific pattern: pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, often past the knee and sometimes into the foot.
Other conditions — such as hip problems, sacroiliac (SI) joint irritation, tight gluteal muscles, or referral from the facet joints — can also create pain in the thigh or buttock, but they do not follow the same nerve pathway as sciatica.
A proper assessment helps determine whether your symptoms are caused by the sciatic nerve being irritated, or whether another structure is responsible.
Mild sciatica often improves within a few weeks, especially with the right advice, movement and early treatment. More severe or persistent cases can take longer — typically several weeks to a few months — depending on the underlying cause.
If your leg pain is worsening, interfering with sleep or daily activities, or not improving after a short period of self-care, it’s sensible to be assessed. A chiropractor can diagnose the source of irritation, guide your recovery and help prevent repeated flare-ups.
Yes. Many cases of disc bulge–related back and leg pain respond well to conservative chiropractic care. Treatment aims to ease irritation around the affected joint, disc and nerve root using gentle, evidence-based techniques alongside tailored rehabilitation exercises.
A chiropractor will also check for red flags and let you know if imaging or medical referral is appropriate. Most people experience improvements as inflammation settles and movement becomes more comfortable.
Chiropractic care is focused on restoring function, reducing pain and helping you return to normal daily activities safely.
How our Edinburgh Chiropractors treat Back Pain & Sciatica
Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others—particularly with longer-standing or nerve-related symptoms—may take longer. We’ll discuss realistic expectations with you at your first appointment and adjust care based on your progress. Every treatment plan is customised. Based on your examination, our Chiropractors may use:
Rehabilitation exercises to build strength and prevent recurrence
Posture and ergonomic guidance tailored to your work or lifestyle
Our approach follows current NICE NG59 guidance and the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) Low Back Pain and Sciatica Quality Standard, ensuring your care is safe, appropriate and evidence-led.
What You Get at Your First Visit
If you are struggling with Back Pain or Sciatica in Edinburgh or the surrounding Lothians, our goal is to find the cause of your symptoms and help you get back to normal life as quickly and safely as possible. When you come in for your first appointment, you’ll receive the same thorough, patient-centred approach we outline on our Your First Visit page. Here’s what you can expect:
✔ A full consultation and expert assessment
✔ Orthopaedic & neurological testing
✔ Clear diagnosis and explanation in everyday language.
At Morningside Chiropractic, we follow the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) Low Back Pain and Sciatica Quality Standard — the recognised UK benchmark for high-quality chiropractic care.
This means:
🟩 Rapid Access
We aim to offer appointments within five working days of first contact (or sooner where possible).
🟩 Comprehensive Assessment
Every patient receives a full clinical examination including neurological testing, red-flag screening and discussion of psychosocial factors that can influence recovery.
🟩 Responsible Imaging
We do not use X-rays or MRI scans routinely. Imaging is only recommended when clinically justified and when the result will change management — consistent with RCC and NICE NG59.
🟩 Shared Decision-Making
We explain options clearly, support informed consent and involve you in every stage of planning your care.
🟩 Individualised, Multimodal Treatment
Care may include manual therapy, dry needling, rehabilitation and personalised advice — always tailored to your goals and condition.
🟩 Outcome Monitoring & Safety
We monitor your progress using validated outcome measures. If symptoms do not improve as expected, we reassess or liaise with your GP.
🟩 Collaborative Healthcare
We communicate with GPs and other health professionals when appropriate to ensure coordinated, safe care.
Real Patients. Real Relief. Real Results.
“I can’t recommend Ben highly enough! I’d been struggling with lower back pain for far too long and wish I’d gone sooner. There were noticeable improvements after only a few sessions. I feel liberated from the constant pain — I’m more active and sleeping much better. His treatment has made such a difference.”
David W.
“I was in a lot of pain with my back and right leg. My sister recommended Vicky — so glad I went. After a few weeks of sessions the difference was remarkable. I highly recommend.”
Sarah C.
“Tony Bleekers completely sorted my lower back issue in a few sessions and I’m now back to everything I love doing. Friendly, professional — highly recommend.”
Angus R
“Brilliant help with lower back pain — symptoms much, much better after just 3 appointments. Thank you so much Alan.”
Chiropractic care is recommended by both NICE NG59 and the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) for appropriate cases of low back pain and sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to assess the joints, muscles, discs and nerves of the spine and identify what is causing your pain.
At Morningside Chiropractic, we combine gentle, evidence-based treatment with tailored exercises and practical self-management advice. Our aim is to reduce pain, restore movement and support long-term improvement — not just short-term relief. If your condition is not suitable for chiropractic care, we will explain why and guide you toward the most appropriate next steps.
This varies from person to person. Many people notice meaningful improvement within 2–6 sessions, especially with recent or mild symptoms. More persistent or recurrent back or leg pain may require a longer treatment plan alongside rehabilitation exercises to address underlying muscle or movement patterns.
At your first visit, your chiropractor will explain how many sessions are likely to be needed based on your examination findings, how progress will be monitored, and when it is appropriate to review or adjust your plan. We focus on creating clear, realistic expectations from the start.
Usually, no. Most cases of back pain and sciatica do not require MRI or X-ray imaging before starting care. Current evidence and NICE guidelines advise imaging only when it is likely to change your treatment plan — for example, if red flags are present or if symptoms are severe and not improving as expected.
During your assessment, we screen for any signs that imaging or onward referral might be appropriate. If a scan is needed, your chiropractor will explain the reasons clearly and help you communicate with your GP or the relevant specialist.
Yes. Chiropractic is considered safe when provided by a regulated practitioner. All our chiropractors are GCC-registered and follow the highest standards of clinical care, including the RCC Quality Standards and NICE NG59 guidance for low back pain and sciatica.
Before any treatment begins, your chiropractor will take a detailed history, perform a thorough examination and explain any potential risks or benefits. Treatment plans are always personalised, and we use techniques appropriate to your age, comfort level and medical history.
Many people wait far longer than they need to before seeking help for back pain or sciatica. The good news is that recovery often starts with a simple first step. Our chiropractors will listen, assess what’s going on, and guide you through a clear plan so you can move with more confidence, comfort and ease again.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, book your no-charge consultation today or call us on 0131 447 3794
Proven Results!
Trusted & Professionally Endorsed
Highly Skilled & Experienced Team
Personalised Treatment & Expert Advice
- Graeme F (Facebook) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was suffering a lot of back pain even walking or sitting. A few weeks later I am pain free and back running- Graeme F (Facebook) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Andres D (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was in extreme pain before my first session and now i am able to lead a normal life- Andres D (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Michael S (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've suffered with back pain since I was 13 and after a few months with Alan I'm stronger than I've ever been- Michael S (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
