Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through the back of your hips and buttocks and down the back of each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and is typically caused by the irritation and inflammation of a nerve exiting the spine. 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain from spine radiating into leg (can be constant or intermittent)
  • Mild ache to sharp pain
  • Numbness along the nerve path
  • Tingling in feet and toes
  • Leg or foot movement difficulty or weakness

Causes

Sciatica can result from a number of conditions, ranging from sprains to ligaments or muscles in the back to disc bulges and herniations. These conditions can cause the nerve to become inflamed, or in some cases impinged (pinched), which can lead to symptoms in the leg such as weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling.

There are also other conditions such as Piriformis syndrome, which involves tension or spasm of a muscle in the buttock, which can also trigger sciatica. 
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It is important for your physiotherapist to differentiate between these various causes of sciatica in order to properly treat your pain and symptoms. 

Treatments

Treatment for sciatica typically includes a combination of self-care measures and medical management:
  • Medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories as prescribed in order to alleviate pain and inflammation.
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the back muscles, improve alignment, and increase flexibility.
  • Manual therapy
  • Cold laser therapy 
  • In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy is crucial in managing sciatica by not only relieving pain but also preventing future episodes. Through tailored exercises, manual therapy, and education on posture and proper body mechanics, physiotherapists help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance movement mechanics. This holistic approach ensures a reduction in nerve irritation and pressure, providing lasting relief from sciatica symptoms.

Feel the difference Function Physiotherapy has to offer.