Sciatica is a common condition associated with pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the hip, buttock, leg, calf, and foot. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest of all nerves, running from the spinal column near the pelvis down each leg and can be as wide as your thumb. Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that branch into the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, and foot. Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.
Sciatica is most commonly a result of a misaligned lower spine that is pinching the root of the sciatic nerve. This can apply a good deal of pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause severe pain. A faulty pelvic alignment could put the gluteal muscles under duress and the sciatic nerve will be pinched as it passes through the buttocks. A slipped or herniated disc is another cause of sciatica and is usually a result of trauma from a fall or accident. Less commonly noted causes would include arthritis, tumours, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and any degeneration as a result from long-term stress on the lower back. Often traumatic events are not the cause of sciatica. Standing, sitting, walking, running, heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or even sneezing can bring on symptoms.
Pain caused by Sciatica is usually preceded for a few weeks by lower back pain. Eventually the leg pain becomes worse than the back pain. Pain can either be dull and aching or can be a shooting pain down the leg all the way to the toes. This pain can last for several days or weeks or it can subside for even a few hours. However, someone who has had sciatica for a long period of time will find that the pain localizes in the buttock and thigh. In severe cases it can damage nerves and reflexes or cause the calf muscle to deteriorate. Occasionally, paraesthesia and weakened bladder function can accompany sciatica.
Many times people with sciatica wait until the pain becomes unbearable before they contact an Osteopath. Waiting can cause long-term damage. It is important that you contact us when the pain originally begins. A number of sciatica treatments can be prescribed to help with your sciatica. The first thing your B Enhanced osteopath will do is review your complete medical history to determine when the problem began and the possible causes. Then a complete physical and Osteopathic exam is performed, and x-rays may be taken. We will review and discuss the results with you and make recommendations for sciatica treatment.
