Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
· Manual Therapy
Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve emerges from the lower back, passes through the hip and runs down the back of the leg. The most distinctive symptom is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
Symptoms
Sciatica can run differently in everyone; it generally affects the lower back, hip, leg or foot, and can be constant or intermittent. Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain, with hip or leg pain that worsens when sitting
- Burning or tingling along the leg
- Weakness, numbness or restricted movement in the leg or foot
The pain is usually one-sided; coughing or sneezing can make it worse.
Symptoms that call for seeing a physician without delay
In the following situations, a physician should be seen without delay:
- Fever accompanying lower back pain
- Pain radiating into the legs that intensifies rapidly
- Marked weakness and numbness in the hip, leg or pelvic region
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Causes and risk factors
Sciatica develops as a result of irritation of the nerve roots in the lower back; the most common cause is a lumbar disc herniation. Other causes include lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc changes, spondylolisthesis and muscle spasms. An inactive lifestyle, excess weight, weak trunk muscles, prolonged sitting and jobs that involve heavy lifting can increase the risk.
Diagnosis
The physician takes a detailed history and performs a physical examination; reflexes, muscle strength and gait are evaluated. Where needed, X-ray, MRI or EMG may be requested.
The physiotherapy approach
In sciatica, physiotherapy is usually one of the leading approaches following a physician’s evaluation. At our clinic, the process is addressed with manual therapy, physiotherapy treatments and individualised exercise follow-up. The aim is to help reduce the load on the nerve and manage the related complaints, such as pain and numbness. The conservative process is usually followed regularly over a set period, and in most cases it can be managed without the need for surgery.
In severe, progressive cases, or where there is neurological loss, surgery may become an option; this decision rests with the relevant physician.
The recovery process
There is no quick fix for sciatica. In mild cases, noticeable relief can be seen within a few weeks, while in more severe situations the process can take longer. If you have ongoing sciatic pain, you are welcome to contact us for an assessment.