Sciatica (Nerve Pain)
Learn about your Sciatica pain
Sciatica is an immensely common problem often debilitating and annoying affecting the back, buttock, thigh and occasionally the leg. Pain that radiates from the lower back and down the leg is often referred to as sciatica. In severe cases it may cause weakness or numbness of the lower limb due to the irritation or compression of the nerves that extend from the back into the lower leg.
An assessment will involve a thorough history to identify what is causing your pain and how it is affecting your lifestyle and work practices. With your permission we will then assess your posture and movement patterns taking into account the surrounding joints, muscles and even the body as a whole to help find the cause of your pain and how we can help you. As well as providing therapy, Nick will make practical suggestions to help you get through this painful time by helping you understand what is hurting you and how you can help yourself. Treatment will often begin on the initial appointment in the majority of cases to help rehabilitate and prevent sciatic symptoms such as to relax the muscles to help avoid or prevent spasms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sciatic Nerve?
Simply the sciatic nerve is compromised from nerve roots of the lumbar (L) spine L4 - L5 and sacral (S) S1 - S2 nerves - consisting of a tibial and peroneal division encased in a common sheath. The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis via the greater sciatic notch prior to transversing into the back of the thigh from where it divides approximately at the mid thigh into the common peroneal and tibial nerve. The tibial nerve is responsible for innervating most of the hamstring muscles to the exception of the biceps femoris which is innervated by the common peroneal nerve. [1-2]
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors such as exertion, straining, coughing and sneezing. Frequent causes of sciatica may result from a herniated disc (prolapsed disc) which can exert pressure on the sciatic nerve roots or triggered by temporary compression of the nerve due to straining. Less common causes may involve spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, infection, tumours, blood clots (thrombosis) e.g. deep vein thrombosis in the leg or bony deposits which can compromise the sciatic nerve.
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My Sciatica was so painful, it affected my everyday tasks until one day in September I was reduced to laying on the floor, in agony, unable to get up...
After chatting to find out more about me, Nick rolled up his sleeves and started with gentle manipulation. Nick continued to visit and treat me until I was back on my feet and able to go for an MRI scan - this helped diagnose the problem and gave Nick the information he needed to work out a programme of treatment for me.
Each time I visited Nick, he showed me the latest research on my condition - this helped reassure me, and my mobility improved each and every time. I am currently pain free, and feeling much better.
I have no hesitation in recommending Nick, he's thorough and professional.
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References
1. Katirjji, B. (1999) Peroneal Neuropathy - Neurological Clinics Volume 17 Issue 3, 567-591
2. Yuen, E.C.and So Y.T. (1999) Sciatic Neuropathy - Neurological Clinics Volume 17 issue 3, 617-631