The Causes and treatments
Sciatica is used to describe pain that follows the course of the sciatic nerve, arising in the lower back of the body and proceeding into the back of the thigh. Then pain may be felt in the back of the calf, or the lateral shin and then the foot. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in various parts of the leg or foot. Difficulty in movement or control of the legs may also happen. Typically, symptoms are only felt on one side of the body, although occasionally it can be felt in both legs simultaneously.
There are several causes which create sciatica pains. A few are noted below.
- It may be a result of lumbar disc herniation where the lumbar disc directly presses the nerve causing lower back pain.
- Irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve along its course, for instance at its communication with the priformis muscle in he buttock, can also reproduce symptoms of sciatica. This irritation of nerves is known as radiculopathy.
- Sciatica may also be caused by irritation of nerve by adjacent bones, tumours, muscles, Internal bleeding, infections, injury and other causes.
Treatment for Sciatica pains:
Physiotherapy treatment for sciatica aims to reduce pain and restore full movement and function. Strengthening exercises help support the lumbar spine to remove stress from discs and joints.. Exercises of all the muscles supporting the spine e.g., the abdominal muscles and buttocks and hip muscles, helps keep the spine in alignment and facilitate its movements.
Stretching exercises target muscles that cause pain when they are tight and inflexible. Hamstring stretching can play a significant role in controlling the pain.
Aerobic exercises includes long walking, swimming helps in releasing the lower back pain.
As well as active exercise, our Croydon physios can employ manual therapy techniques, electrotherapy, advice and sometimes acupuncture to help relieve the pain.
