Any osteopath will be able to tell you about the countless cases of sciatica they’ve dealt with over the course of their career. While sciatic pain is common and easy to treat, it’s no less severe and debilitating! Sciatica can affect people of all ages and lifestyles, at times due to a specific injury, and at other times seeming to appear out of the blue. If you’ve developed a case of sciatica, chances are you’re looking for someone who can help.
What treatments are there? Where should you be looking for reliable advice? Can an osteo actually help? Continue reading as we answer all these questions and more in our easy guide to sciatica treatment.
For personalised health advice, contact our team at Excel Body & Health today.
What is Sciatica?
The term ‘sciatica’ refers to damage to the sciatic nerve. Now, this particular nerve happens to be the largest in the body, and complications there can stretch across significant portions of your lower back, buttons, and leg. When something such as a herniated disc compresses part of the nerve, sciatica can develop. Most commonly, this condition presents itself as a radiating pain down the back of the leg. Some patients describe the pain as dull, whilst others can experience severe shooting pains and numbness.
Sciatica is common and typically not too concerning. Though the pain can be severe, most cases will clear up within 6 weeks with treatment. Should the condition worsen, however, patients can struggle with further issues such as leg weakness and bowel or bladder changes.
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Sciatica Causes and Symptoms
As previously mentioned, most cases of sciatica will occur due to herniated discs or overgrown bones overwhelming the nerve with pressure. As a bulging disc presses against the sciatic nerve, inflammation will begin and pain will steadily start to worsen. Some other factors that may lead to sciatica include:
- Tumours
- Abscesses
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Any other nerve disorder
- Awkward sitting or standing positions
Pain will typically span the entirety of the sciatic nerve. Inflammation is particularly noticeable throughout the lower back and the back of the thighs, and severe cases may also involve weakness and numbness throughout those areas as well.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
One key benefit of osteopathy is that it focuses on the entire musculoskeletal system. An osteo will be able to assess how your sciatica is affecting the broader systems of your body, while also seeking to find the underlying cause of all your pain to minimise further damage. Seeing an osteopath can help relieve your symptoms and build toward recovery.
So, how will an osteo help? Essentially, they will work with you to create a personalised, fully tailored treatment plan built towards your specific circumstances and preferences. Sciatic nerve pain will typically be improved through the improvement of joint mobility, the decrease of spasms, and heightened motion of the spine. With joint manipulation, exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and experienced advice, you could get your health back on track in no time.
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Other Practical Steps to Take
Minor changes can make a big difference. If you’re dealing with significant sciatic nerve pain, here are some of our top tips to limit your pain throughout the day:
- Avoid activities that involve heavy lifting and pulling
- Try not to spend long periods of time sitting still, as this adds pressure to injured discs
- Get a treatment plan from an osteo and stick to it diligently – they know what they’re talking about!
- Schedule regular check-ups to ensure recovery is happening at a healthy pace
- Enquire about anti-inflammatory medication to help ease discomfort
- Stay active! Walking and gentle stretches can be beneficial
Contact Excel Body & Health Today for Sciatica Treatment
Whether your condition is minor or severe, receiving swift treatment is vital. When left untreated, sciatica has the potential to develop into something much more detrimental to your body’s health and function. Should you have any suspicions that your pain could be related to the sciatic nerve, don’t hold off! Save yourself time and pain by seeking treatment as soon as possible.
Here at Excel Body & Health, we take pride in offering unparalleled osteopathic care to all our patients. With a team of experienced and caring osteos ready to take your call, there’s no reason to delay. Contact our clinic today to book an assessment for your sciatica. Let’s get that treatment plan rolling and nip your pain in the bud!
