Sciatica
Sciatica is a commonly used word, usually to describe general leg pain however its usage has become misleading.
Technically, Sciatica is a term to describe symptoms associated with pain associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which leaves your spine in the lower back and travels down the back of the thigh and ultimately down to the foot. This may result in pain in part of the back of the leg, the foot and the lower back, although a combination of these is possible. It will generally occur in one leg only.
It occurs due to compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine (possible due to a problem in the lower back) or at any point along its journey down the leg, most commonly in the buttock area by the piriformis muscle.
Sciatica can be extremely painful but may be effectively be treated osteopathically by relaxing muscles which may be impinging on the nerve and by addressing dysfunctions in the lower back. Osteopaths can also help to improve mobility of the sciatic nerve, provide advice regarding posture and suggest exercises to minimise the likelihood of recurrence.
Technically, Sciatica is a term to describe symptoms associated with pain associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which leaves your spine in the lower back and travels down the back of the thigh and ultimately down to the foot. This may result in pain in part of the back of the leg, the foot and the lower back, although a combination of these is possible. It will generally occur in one leg only.
It occurs due to compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine (possible due to a problem in the lower back) or at any point along its journey down the leg, most commonly in the buttock area by the piriformis muscle.
Sciatica can be extremely painful but may be effectively be treated osteopathically by relaxing muscles which may be impinging on the nerve and by addressing dysfunctions in the lower back. Osteopaths can also help to improve mobility of the sciatic nerve, provide advice regarding posture and suggest exercises to minimise the likelihood of recurrence.