Sciatic Pain
Can Osteopathy help with sciatic pain?
Osteopathy is used by many people to alleviate and in most cases cure, sciatic pain by removing the cause of the sciatica (nerve compression). This is done by articulation and traction that increases the gaps between the vertebrae where nerve roots often get compressed. Also muscle release techniques that relax the muscles which can also trap and compress the nerves that cause sciatic pain.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term generally used to describe any pain caused by a compressed nerve affecting the buttock, leg and foot and not necessarily the sciatic nerve. These nerves can often get compressed as they pass through gaps in the lumbar spine, cross the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis, in the muscles of the buttock and the hamstrings. If left untreated these symptoms can occur at regular intervals, or after particular activities with increasing severity.
What are the symptoms of Sciatica?
- Burning or tingling sensation down the leg
- A shooting pain that can make it difficult to walk or stand
- Lower back pain that leads to leg pain when bending forwards, coughing or sneezing
- Pins and needles, weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot
- Calf, buttock or hamstring pain that is worse when sitting in chairs or cars
- Symptoms may be constant or come and go in relation to activity
Why do people suffer from Sciatica?
Young and middle-aged adults often develop sciatica as a result of inflammation in the facet joints of the spine or pressure from a bulging disc. In older people the pain often arises due to the changes that happen in their spine as they age, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Factors that can contribute to sciatic pain can include:
- Increased curve in lumbar spine due to being overweight
- Poor muscle tone due to sedentary lifestyle
- Wearing high heels
- Dropped foot arches
How is Sciatica diagnosed?
Sciatica is diagnosed as a result of taking a full medical history and by testing your back, hips, and legs for flexibility and freedom of movement, sensation and reflexes. It is very useful to the osteopath to see any MRI scans or x-rays that you have had of your lower back to show whether or not there is a specific disc injury pressing on a nerve. Your osteopath will be able to discuss these scans with you and explain their implications in terms you will understand.
Pain-killers and Sciatic Pain, Do’s and Don’ts
It is never advisable to take pain relief before taking part in high-impact activities or physical work. This is because without the feedback from your body’s nervous system, it is easy to over-use and re-damage injured muscles and ligaments.
Although it is always better not to take drugs, as they all have side effects, they can be useful in some circumstances. lf muscle pain is preventing you from sleeping, this can have a serious effect on your whole life, and it is worth a compromise of the side effects of the pain-killers for a good night’s sleep.
Pain-killing drugs can sometimes counteract the effectiveness of other medication you may be taking, and in some cases can be very harmful. Therefore it is important to check with your Doctor or Pharmacist as to whether they are appropriate, or indeed safe.
Some inflammatory conditions will benefit from NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) but again, it must be remembered that they may reduce inflammation but not the cause of the inflammation. Also they can cause stomach problems in some cases.
Avenue Osteopath Sutton, Surrey – Nearby Towns
Avenue Osteopath Sutton, Surrey is near the towns of Stoneleigh, Ewell, Worcester Park, Epsom, Morden and New Malden.
