Sciatica - A common problem seen by Osteopaths

By Colette Goveia – Chart Clinic Osteopath
 

What is Sciatica? In simple terms this is pain travelling down the leg from the lower back. Sciatica is a word used to describe symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. These symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness in the leg. You may also experience low back pain along with these leg symptoms.

 A herniated disc within the lumbar spine can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome (tightening/spasm of one of the buttock muscles which then irritates the nerve) or age-related joint changes can also be a causing factor of sciatic pain.

It is important to know the cause of your sciatic pain so it can be treated and managed in the correct way.

An osteopath will be able to tell you whether your pain is sciatica and will try to identify the cause of the nerve irritation through history-taking and examination.

Once the cause is determined, a treatment and management plan can be put in place to help reduce your symptoms.

Treatment typically involves use of soft-tissue massage to release tension around the area, stretches and articulation techniques to improve the range of movement within your lower back. Osteopaths will treat the related joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons to help reduce irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Osteopaths will also offer exercise and postural advice for you to take home for self-management.

As osteopaths we not only aim to reduce your symptoms and help you manage them correctly, but we also provide treatment and advice for long term maintenance to prevent reoccurrence.  

I have seen a large number of patients in clinic with sciatic pain, and osteopathic treatment is often very effective in easing these symptoms.

How long will it take to get better? This really depends on the cause as well as you as an individual, e.g. your general health, lifestyle, work and how these things may be contributing factors. Once you have been examined it easier to give you an idea of recovery time.

I tailor treatments and exercise programmes to each individual to try and minimise disruption to their normal daily life where possible.

Call 01737 248 023 to book an appointment with Osteopath  Colette