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What Causes Sciatica?
Although the cause of Sciatica lies in the spine, not all sufferers will experience back pain and symptoms can be variable. The problem can manifest as back pain with leg pain, or leg pain only. The major cause of Sciatica is a disc prolapse (more commonly known as a 'slipped disc') at the bottom of the back. Other factors however that can cause sciatica include injury to the buttocks, prolonged external pressure on the nerve, pressure from a tight muscle or nearby structure.
Sciatic can be triggered by very small, normal movements like bending over to one side at a bad angle to pick something up, as well from suffering a trauma like falling off a ladder and landing on your back. What happens in all cases is that the sciatic nerve is compressed and consequentially causes you pain.
Above: Beating percussion massage applied to the gastrocnemius muscle by experienced therapistWhat are the symptoms/effects of Sciatica?
The most common symptoms of sciatica is pain which can range from mild to debilitating. Other symptoms include weakness, numbness or tingling that generally begins in the lower spine and radiates down through the hips and buttocks and down the leg.
Additional more serious symptoms may include:
- Impaired circulation.
- Numbness of muscles, or a feeling of weakness, along the nerve pathway in the leg or foot.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Difficulty in moving and controlling the leg.
Diagnosis of Sciatica
Diagnosis of sciatica can be made by a physiotherapist or a doctor who will conduct a thorough assessment of your back and legs.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Sciatica
Physiotherapy treatment is very effective in the treatment of Sciatica.
Physiotherapy treatment at Manchester Physio will relieve nerve root compression and prevent further episodes of sciatic pain by teaching correct postural techniques, and exercises to correct any muscle imbalance in the spine.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the gastrocnemius muscle by an experienced therapistCommon treatments Manchester Physio use to treat Sciatica include:
- Joint mobilisation
- Stretching
- Postural advice
- Massage therapy including trigger point techniques
- Acupuncture
- Heat therapy
- Core stability exercise
Above: Leg strengthening exercises on a cross trainer supervised by an experienced physiotherapistFor more information about how physiotherapy can help with Sciatica, or to book an assessment please call 0161 883 0077.
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