Sciatic Pain

Most commonly recognised by the name ‘Sciatica’. Sciatic pain, originates from the Sciatic nerve that leaves the spinal cord at several vertebral levels of the spine and passes through the pelvis to the back of the thigh where it branches again and travels down the calf into the foot.

The sciatic nerve can become ‘irritated’ or ‘compressed’ at any point of it’s path from the spine to the foot. The most common points at which this can happen are as it leaves the lumbar spine and as it moves towards the pelvis where is passes through or close to a muscle called the piriformis.

Sciatic pain can present itself as lower back pain with buttock/leg pain and or pins and needles. Sometimes it can manifest in weakness of the leg muscles.

Causes of Sciatic Pain

  • Bad posture
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Frequent repetitive movements, twisting/lifting/pulling/pushing
  • High levels of stress and anxiety
  • Trauma or Injury Age related changes, osteoarthritis arthritis

Treatment of Sciatic pain

Once the Sciatic nerve has been irritated it can take time to settle down. A combination of manual therapy, acupuncture, advice of pain medication and home exercises can help.

If you have any further questions about Sciatic pain or how Osteopathy could help you, feel free to get in touch.

Sciatica