Sciatica: Understanding and Addressing Nerve Pain
What Is Sciatica or What Causes It?
Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Common causes include a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compressing the nerve.
Symptoms of Sciatica You May Be Experiencing
Symptoms include pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg, discomfort anywhere along the nerve pathway, and numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Treatment at Indergaard Physiotherapy may include specific exercises to relieve nerve compression, manual therapy, and advice on posture and movement. In some cases, more advanced treatments like Shockwave Therapy may be beneficial.
Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes for Sciatica
Regular exercise, maintaining good posture, and ergonomic adjustments while sitting can help prevent sciatica or alleviate symptoms. Strengthening the core muscles can also reduce the risk of sciatic nerve compression.
When to Seek Professional Advice for Sciatica
If you’re experiencing persistent pain radiating down your leg, numbness, or tingling, or if your symptoms affect your ability to perform daily activities, consult with our team at Indergaard Physiotherapy. We’re here to assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan to relieve your sciatica symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Sciatica is typically caused by nerve compression from a herniated disk or bone spur.It can also be due to entrapment within muscles at the back of the hip. Identifying the exact cause is key to effective treatment.
Look for radiating leg pain, lower back discomfort, and numbness or tingling in the leg or foot.
Treatments include targeted exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, with a focus on relieving nerve compression.
Prevention includes regular exercise, proper posture, and core muscle strengthening to support the spine and reduce nerve pressure.
It’s important to seek professional help for persistent or severe sciatica symptoms that affect daily functioning.
What to expect in your consult?
When you attend for your initial consultation here at Indergaard Physiotherapy, you will be taken through our thorough assessment process, where we will find the root cause of your pain. Your therapist, in partnership with yourself, will form a plan for how we aim to get you pain free and back to full function as soon as possible.
This can include hands on therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy, movement re-education and rehabilitation, as well as exercises. Our goal is to give you the best possible care to enable you to move better and feel great as soon as possible.
