Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, originating from the lower spine and extending through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg to the feet. When this nerve is irritated, it can cause pain, discomfort, and other neurological symptoms along its pathway.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or piriformis muscle syndrome . It is commonly seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and can significantly impact daily life, making tasks such as sitting, standing, or walking challenging.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica can result from various conditions that place pressure on or irritate the sciatic nerve. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Herniated Disc

One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated or "slipped" disc. This occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.

2. Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. It is often age-related and associated with arthritic changes.

3. Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle, located in the deep buttocks or gluteal muscles, can become tight or spasm, irritating the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath or through the muscle.

4. Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially putting pressure on exiting nerve roots and pinching the sciatic nerve.

5. Trauma or Injury

Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can directly impact the lower back or hips, leading to sciatic nerve compression.

6. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes, weight gain, and the shift in posture during pregnancy can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation.

7. Tumors or Infections

Although rare, growths or infections in the spine can compress the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica symptoms.

Understanding the root cause of sciatica is essential for effective treatment and long-term management.

Signs and Symptoms

Sciatica presents with a range of symptoms, which may vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Common signs include:

1. Radiating Pain

The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that begins in the lower back or buttocks and radiates down the back of the leg, sometimes reaching the foot. The pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning.

2. Tingling or Numbness

A "pins and needles" sensation or numbness may occur in the affected leg or foot. This is due to the nerve's impaired ability to transmit signals.

3. Muscle Weakness

Sciatica can cause weakness in the leg muscles, making it difficult to lift the foot, stand up, or climb stairs.

4. Pain Worsened by Movement

Certain activities, such as sitting for long periods, bending, coughing, or sneezing, can exacerbate sciatica pain.

5. Lower Back Pain

While sciatica often involves leg pain, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort in the lower back as well.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience severe symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, significant weakness in the leg, or extreme pain that does not improve with self-care, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a serious condition, such as Cauda Equina Syndrome, which requires urgent intervention.

Sciatica can result from various conditions that place pressure on or irritate the sciatic nerve.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Sciatica

Osteopathy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment approach that can effectively manage sciatica by addressing its root cause. Osteopaths use a combination of hands-on techniques, lifestyle advice, and rehabilitation exercises to relieve pain and restore function.

Osteopathic Assessment

During your first visit, the osteopath will take a detailed case history and perform a physical examination to identify the underlying cause of your sciatica. This may involve assessing your posture, movement patterns, and spinal alignment. If necessary, you may be referred for imaging, such as an MRI or X-ray, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Techniques

Osteopaths employ a range of techniques to alleviate sciatica symptoms and support the body's natural healing process. These include:

  • Soft Tissue Manipulation: Gentle massage and stretching techniques reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

  • Joint Mobilisation: Targeted movements help restore mobility in the spine and pelvis, reducing nerve compression.

  • Spinal Alignment: Correcting misalignments in the spine can address the root cause of sciatica and prevent recurrence.

  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Tailored exercises are provided to alleviate tightness, improve core stability, and support long-term recovery.

  • Postural and Ergonomic Advice: Osteopaths guide patients on maintaining proper posture and making adjustments to their workspaces or daily activities to avoid aggravating the condition.

Benefits of Osteopathy for Sciatica

  • Non-invasive and drug-free approach

  • Quick, effective specific treatment

  • Addresses the underlying cause of the condition

  • Provides immediate pain relief and long-term management strategies

  • Reduces the risk of recurrence

To find out more, you can read my article on all things Sciatica and how Osteopathy can greatly benefit a person suffering with Sciatica, here.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or piriformis muscle syndrome.

Prevention Tips for Sciatica

While not all cases of sciatica can be prevented, the following tips can help minimize your risk:

  • Maintain good posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods.

  • Engage in regular physical activity to strengthen your core and back muscles.

  • Lift heavy objects using proper techniques to avoid straining your back.

  • Avoid prolonged sitting by taking regular breaks to stand and stretch.

  • Address any back pain or discomfort early to prevent it from progressing to sciatica.

To check out some Tips and tricks to help with Sciatica - read my recent article here.

Common FAQ’s

  • Recovery time depends on the severity and cause of your sciatica. While mild cases may improve within a few weeks, chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation management.

  • Yes, regular, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. As part of your Osteopathic consultation, We will provide specific targeted exercises and rehabilitation for you to complete at home or in the gym.

  • True Sciatica is a specific type of nerve pain that commonly radiates down the back of leg and into the foot, whereas back pain may not involve nerve irritation at all and is often localized to the lower back only.

    It’s important to note however, Sciatica can have a low back origin and be associated with compressed nerves in the low back. So they are not always exclusive and are often seen at the same time.

    This make proper examination and diagnosis important at the very beginning and something that Osteopaths commonly assess for.

  • Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

  • Yes & No! For some Running, walking and any movement can really aggravate Sciatic symptoms, particularly if it has a low back origin.

    For others, Running can be completely fine and not painful. Often as part of the rehabilitation it will involve movement which may include stretching, light jogging, walking and small runs.

  • The Sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from your lower back along the back of your leg and into the foot. Sciatica, is the irritation of the nerve along its pathway. You are most likely to feel irritation along the pathway in your glutes, back of the leg, in your calf and occasionally tingling and numbness in your foot.

Common FAQs About Sciatica

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Prevention Tips for Sciatica

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Common FAQs About Sciatica * Prevention Tips for Sciatica *

Why Choose Us for Your Sciatica Care in Stanmore?

At our Stanmore clinic, we specialise in providing effective osteopathic care for sciatica. With years of experience and a patient-centered approach, we tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to help you:

  • Alleviate pain quickly and effectively

  • Restore mobility and function

  • Prevent future flare-ups through education and personalised care

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re struggling with sciatica, we’re here to help. Call us on 07563009045 to schedule an appointment or use our online booking system and click the button below. Take the first step toward a pain-free, active life today.