Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful syndrome caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve placed deep in the buttock that runs down the leg. This issue is one of particular interest to us here at ONE HEALTH & an issue we have had many years of experience and success in dealing with.

Symptoms of Sciatica may include the following:

• pain in the buttock or down the leg

• numbness

• muscular weakness

• pins and needles or tingling

• difficulty moving or controlling the leg.

​

Sciatica is usually felt in one leg at a time, and can range from a dull ache to an incapacitating pain.  Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on activities or time of day.  The pain associated with sciatica can be caused by a number of underlying conditions.

These may include:

• herniated (bulging) disc in the lower back

• bony growths on the spine

• arthritis in the low back or hip

• tight muscles in the buttock or trauma to the lower back.

​

Sciatica can occur during pregnancy due to the altered mechanics of the pelvis and lower back as the baby grows and develops.

Manual therapy such as Osteopathy, Physiotherapy & other manual therapies may help relieve the symptoms of sciatica. At ONE HEALTH, we will usually conduct a full musculo-skeletal, neurological & orthopaedic examination to find the true underlying cause of the sciatica.

Treatment of the related joints, muscles, ligaments & tendons is undertaken to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is done with a series of hands-on manual techniques tailored to each individual patient.

Sciatica can often resolve quickly with the appropriate management and self-care, but unfortunately it can linger.  Remember, with appropriate Osteopathic care and advice, recovery time is likely to be reduced considerably.

Exercise like swimming, yoga and pilates help increase flexibility and strength of the muscles that support the back which can assist in prevention and management of sciatica. Sitting and standing with good posture is also important as poor posture may aggravate the condition. Contact us at ONE HEALTH before commencing any programme.

*Article courtesy of & modified from Osteopathy Australia's website