Physiotherapy is a proven way to treat Sciatica

While sciatica, the Latin word for “pain down the back of the leg”, can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, it is rare that permanent damage will happen. The pain is caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation, therefore when we treat, we focus on relieving both of these resulting in improvement getting you back to all the thing you need and want to be doing.

What is Sciatica anyways?

Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels down the low back via the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. This large nerve runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. This large nerve runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis.

Is it painful?

The pain from sciatica can be anything from infrequent and irritating to severe and debilitating. It normally affects only one side, with the pain radiating through the buttock and down the leg, past the knee. It may be worse when sitting, burning or tingling down the leg, weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot or a shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up.

What am I doing to cause this?

Sciatic pain is usually caused by compression of this nerve root.

This pressure can result from reasons including

Sometimes, just sitting awkwardly can cause sciatica.
Spinal misalignments, vertebral dysfunction
Herniated disc
Acute injuries to the low back

What will my Physiotherapist do to help me?

We use a combination of the following techniques

Soft tissue work such as spinal mobilization, nerve release, stretching and sometimes acupuncture and advice on use of TENs machines
Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
Advice in relation to how to minimise pressure and irritation of the sciatic nerve
Movement and strengthening exercises to get you back to full function

If you are suffering with sciatica, the sooner you address the symptoms, the sooner you will begin your road to recovery.

Give us a call! ☎️

Nicola Robertson

Registered Physiotherapist