Living with Sciatica?
Our Osteopaths can help
Sciatica is the symptom of an irritated, inflamed or compressed sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve begins in the lumbar spine, runs through the sacrum and gluteal muscles, down the posterior aspect of the thigh, before it further divides to supply the lower legs and feet. It has a difficulty pathway to travel and is vulnerable to compression and irritation at a few common sites. The pain from sciatica can be intense and debilitating. It can cause significant problems walking, moving and sitting when aggravated. It is a common reason for people to seek help from an Osteopath.
Anything that irritates the sciatic nerve can produce sciatic pain and or neurological symptoms like paraesthesia – numbness, tingling or even weakness. However, most commonly it is a combination of muscle, joint and bone compression leads to sciatica. It can come from disc herniations, where the compression is combined with inflammation of the nerve. Sciatica typically presents in the population over 40 years of age. It can be an acute condition with symptoms lasting up to four weeks or it may persist into a longer and more debilitating problem.
In many cases of sciatica, there is not a single obvious cause. Some of the more common reasons for the condition are:
Some more rare medical issues like Infection, Cauda Equina syndrome or other issues can also cause sciatica. If you have ongoing sciatica without a diagnosis, please seek a professional opinion.
If you are suffering from sciatica and would like some help, make an appointment with one of our Osteopaths today.
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