At Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, we understand the debilitating effects of sciatica and offer specialized treatments to help you find relief. Sciatica describes pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and can occur when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed.
Underlying Causes of Sciatica
The most common causes of sciatica type symptoms include herniated disks, bone spurs on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and often numbness in the affected leg. At Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, we conduct thorough assessments to identify the precise cause of your sciatica and tailor our treatment approach accordingly.
Symptoms of Sciatica
The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg. Discomfort can occur anywhere along the nerve pathway but is especially likely to follow a path from the lower back to the buttock and the back of the thigh and calf. The pain can vary widely, ranging from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes, it can feel like a jolt or electric shock and may worsen with prolonged sitting or sudden movements.
Distinguishing Sciatica from Other Back Pain
Sciatica is distinct from other types of back pain because it originates in the spine and extends down the back of the leg. Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg. Additionally, sciatica pain is typically unilateral, affecting only one leg. Patients can sometimes experience sharp pain, dull ache, burning sensation, tingling or even numbness in the affected leg. Our experienced practitioners at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic use these distinguishing characteristics to accurately diagnose sciatica and differentiate it from other back pain conditions.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing sciatica, including:
Age: Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are common causes of sciatica.
Obesity: Excess body weight contributes to spinal changes that can trigger sciatica.
Occupation: Jobs requiring frequent twisting of the back, carrying heavy loads, or prolonged driving can increase the risk of sciatica.
Prolonged Sitting: A sedentary lifestyle or long periods of sitting can lead to sciatica.
Diabetes: This condition increases the risk of nerve damage, including sciatica.
At Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, we consider these risk factors during our comprehensive assessments to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Diagnosis and Treatment at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic
To diagnose sciatica, our healthcare providers review your medical history and symptoms, and conduct a physical examination.
Our sciatica treatment options are tailored to the cause and severity of your sciatica and may include:
Osteopathic Manipulation: Our skilled osteopaths use hands-on techniques to improve spinal alignment, reduce nerve compression, and enhance overall function.
Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: We provide exercises and stretches designed to improve posture, strengthen the muscles supporting the back, and increase flexibility.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Our practitioners offer guidance on lifestyle modifications and ergonomic adjustments to reduce the risk of sciatica recurrence.
Advanced Treatments: In some cases, we may suggest / refer you to other professionals for advanced treatments such as corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
Comprehensive Care at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic
At Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, we provide comprehensive care for sciatica. Our holistic approach not only focuses on relieving your immediate pain but also aims to address the underlying causes and prevent future occurrences. We work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve optimal wellbeing.
For more information on the causes of sciatica, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, please go to the link https://cokinetic-production.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/brandedpdfs/15747/0744eae6e3ce9f0e87a461ef40c879663e2c60ac.pdf to download our leaflets on the causes and treatment for sciatica or call 01903 366260 to seek help from our team.