Sciatica refers to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body). It can present as pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg from the lower back.
There are various possible causes of sciatica and the likely reasons can be established during an assessment. If we feel we can help you we will outline how, but if we feel your issue needs further investigation we can explain the steps you need to take.
When treating patients with sciatica, we use a combination of highly specific manual techniques, combined with a rehabilitation exercise programme.
The manual techniques might involve mobilisation and manipulation of the spine to help movement. Soft tissue techniques are used to reduce muscle tension and pain and improve flexibility, and it is not uncommon to also use acupuncture.
Aside from this sort of passive care, when treating sciatica it is really important for you to be given the right exercises in the form of a rehabilitation programme to help your progress. This combined approach typically works better than one or the other.
As you make progress, care needs to be taken to avoid a setback, and so you will be advised on what you can do to avoid this happening. Whether this is making sure your ergonomics at work or home are good, recognising what activities can aggravate symptoms, or understanding how sleep, good diet and stress management can enhance your recovery, we will give you the best advice we can to help you get better as soon as possible.
