SCIATICA
OSTEOPATH IN
SOUTHFIELDS WIMBLEDON PARK BRIXTON HILL STREATHAM HILL
Sciatica is an umbrella term for any pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body coming from the lower back going down the back of the leg to the knee, it then divides into several different nerves around the knee and calf.
Sciatica can cause pain at the lower back, buttock, back of the leg, calf and foot. You might also experience numbness, tingling, pins and needles and weakness in the leg.
WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA?
There are numerous causes of sciatica, but the most common are listed below;
DISC DISRUPTION
The discs of the lower back sit very close to the origin of the sciatic nerve. When the disc is damaged and the shape changes, this can compress the sciatic nerve causing pain.
MUSCLE CONTRACTURE
The sciatic nerve run under muscles such as the piriformis, glut max and hamstrings. When these muscles over-engage, they can compress the sciatic nerve.
PELVIC IRRITATION
The pelvic joint is very close to the sciatic nerve. The pelvis has a very small amount of movement available, but when this joint becomes inflamed, restricted or goes out of alignment this can cause irritation the sciatic nerve also.
FACET JOINT IRRITATION
The facet is the joint at the back of the pine which links the bones of the spine together and allows movement at the spine. These joints sit very close to the origin of the sciatic nerve, and when they become inflamed this can irritate the sciatic nerve.
HOW DO OSTEOPATHS HELP EASE SCIATICA?
Osteopathy is often a vital intervention for those suffering with sciatica. When suffering from nerve irritation and the related pain, firstly diagnosis where the nerve is being impinged is an essential step.
Following that, the treatment performed by Osteopaths can greatly decrease the pain and discomfort experienced. Osteopaths use massage, stretching and articulation techniques to ease pain and decrease nerve irritation.
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