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Find out the root cause of sciatica and what to do about it

Do you feel a dull ache in your lower back or buttock that can become a sharp shooting pain going into the back of your thigh, leg and sometimes feet/toes? Have you also been experiencing pins and needles, tingling, numbness or weakness of the legs or feet?

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You may be suffering from Sciatica.

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Sciatica is caused by an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms are typically on one side of the body but can be present on both sides, and usually gets worse with bending forwards, coughing/sneezing or moving. Sciatica pain can be very limiting on your daily activities and disrupt sleep.

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​Common Causes of Sciatica

  • A disc injury of the spine e.g. from lifting heavy objects or trauma

  • Tight buttock muscles that compress the nerve “Piriformis Syndrome”

  • Wear and tear of the joints in the spine with ageing (Spinal Stenosis) 

  • Spondylolisthesis – a slippage of the vertebrae in the spine, usually from trauma

  • Pregnancy-related changes to the body

How Long Does It Take To Get Better?

Sciatica can take 4-6 weeks to improve, but depending on the cause it can be shorter or longer. That is why getting the correct diagnosis and advice is important to prevent prolonged injury.

 

What Can I Do About Sciatica?

When it comes to Sciatica, what to do depends on what the cause is and that is why it is important to seek professional help.

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  • Try not to bend forwards or lift anything heavy

  • Avoid prolonged sitting and get up for regular breaks if you do have to sit prolonged

  • Do not continue exercise as this may make things worse

  • Consult a specialist, such as an Osteopath, who will identify the problem, create a bespoke treatment plan and manage the pain whilst getting you back to your normal activities again.

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How Can An Osteopath Help?

At Fern Clinic we will:

  • Conduct a thorough medical case history to find out exactly how you got the problem

  • Perform a physical examination which involves postural analysis and orthopaedic testing to diagnose the condition and explain it to you without the medical jargon

  • Create a bespoke treatment plan to meet your individual needs

  • Provide hands-on treatment to reduce the pain and get you moving again which may include deep tissue massage, joint mobilisations and joint manipulations

  • Provide expert advice on lifestyle changes, ergonomics and stretches/exercises to get you on the road to recovery.

 

Don’t suffer unnecessarily, consult one of our experienced Osteopaths today who will identify the root cause and provide pain relief.

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