If you suffer, or suspect you are suffering, with sciatica you will know how uncomfortable and often debilitating it can be and it might be hard to know what steps to take to get relief from the pain.
In this blog, we explore the problem, its symptoms, and treatment options. Keep reading if you’d like to start living your life without the pain and distraction of sciatica!
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet is irritated or compressed. The symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe, and the pain can be constant or intermittent.
At Body Consultancy our aim is to offer relief for symptoms you’re experiencing, alongside providing effective treatment that will aid the long-term management and prevention of further issues.
What causes sciatica to flare up?
It’s important to note that sciatica itself is not a medical diagnosis. Sciatica is in fact a symptom of an underlying condition.
These conditions could be:
- Slipped disc – when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the part of your spine where nerves pass through
- Spondylolisthesis – when one of the bones in your spine slips out of position
- Back injury
If you have any of these conditions and are experiencing sciatica symptoms it is essential that you do get seen by a professional who can help treat and manage your symptoms or pain.
Please be aware that although you may have symptoms of sciatica, specifically pain radiating down the legs, you may actually be experiencing the symptoms of other conditions such as piriformis syndrome or a muscle strain. As such, it’s really important that a proper diagnosis is given before any treatment is provided!
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica can present itself in a number of ways. If you suffer from sciatica you might recognise some of the following symptoms:
- Moderate to severe pain in lower back region
- Pain that may extend to your legs and feet*
- Pins and needles
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness in all or part of the leg and foot
Above are the symptoms most commonly experienced and most associated with sciatica. However, more severe symptoms may occur:
- Inability to flex the foot
- Reduction in the knee-jerk reflex
However you are suffering it is important you get help. At Body Consultancy Ringwood and Body Consultancy Verwood, our experienced Osteopaths and Chiropractors can work with you to provide sciatica pain relief.
*Back pain which radiates down the leg may not always be sciatica. Ensure you get a proper diagnosis for effective treatment.
Can a Chiropractor help with sciatica pain relief?
Yes, at Body Consultancy our highly-qualified chiropractors are able to help with sciatica pain relief. Osteopaths at Body Consultancy Ringwood and Body Consultancy Verwood can also provide relief from sciatic pain. Treatment for sciatica can include:
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
A type of massage therapy that Osteopaths & Chiropractors use to strengthen and improve the muscles.
Spinal Stabilisation
Chiropractors will look at how the spine is functioning as a whole. Whilst curvatures within the spine are normal, if they are too small or big it will change how the spine works, and therefore can cause pain in places such as the spinal joints or provide excessive wear and tear in discs. This can also be affected by poor posture which our practitioners can look at.
Soft Tissue Massage
Soft tissue massage is a technique we use that mobilises the body’s soft tissues. The technique can be used on the tendons, ligaments, muscles, fascia, and connective tissue around the joints. Using this technique will relieve muscle tension and increase joint mobility helping you to live a more pain-free life.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a technique where practitioners use their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to a joint of your spine. The force of the thrust helps move the joint more than it would do on its own.
Lifestyle changes to manage sciatica pain
We take a holistic approach at Body Consultancy. Our highly qualified Chiropractors would also recommend lifestyle modifications to support your treatment with us. Effective changes you can make at home to aid sciatica pain relief are:
- Keep active – even small bursts of gentle movement can make all the difference
- Stretching – we recommend taking little moments here and there to have a good stretch whilst sitting at your desk or during long periods of travel
- Firm mattress – sleeping on a firm mattress will significantly improve your back pain and posture
- Pilates & yoga – not only is this great for your mental well-being, it also enhances muscle strength and posture too*
Working together we can help you get to a place where your sciatica no longer significantly interrupts living your life!
*If you are suffering from sciatica in pregnancy you can also take prenatal yoga classes to ease any discomfort you may be feeling.
Get treatment for sciatica
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to speak to an expert then please book your complimentary 15-minute consultation. You’ll soon be well on your way to a happier, more mobile life!