Sciatica and Low Back Pain

When people are experiencing lower back pain they often refer to their pain as sciatica, but what actually is sciatica? and how do we differentiate muscle or joint pain in the lower back from sciatica.

When people refer to sciatica, they are referring to irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, originating from the lower lumbar spine and having branches that expand the length or the lower leg. The sciatic nerve helps with motor function/control of the hamstring muscles, as well as its branches providing motor function and control to all the muscles in the leg and foot. The sciatic nerve also provides sensory function and feeling to the skin along the outside portion of the leg as well as the top and bottom of the foot.

Irritation to the sciatic nerve can occur at any portion of the nerve. However, pain will often stem from the origin of the nerve within the lumbar spine. Inflammation or bulging of a vertebral disc as well as osteoarthritic changes to the lumbar spine can place pressure on the nerve resulting in pain and neurological symptoms. Sciatic pain will usually occur on one side of the body, with pain starting within the buttock and aching referral down the length of the leg, people will also often report a burning and/or tingling sensation with sciatica. Sciatic pain can increase on movements such as lifting, coughing, sneezing and/or straining.

So how can an Osteopath help?

Osteopath’s are trained in diagnostic techniques to determine if the sciatic nerve or lumbar disc irritation is the cause of your pain. As Osteopath’s we pride ourselves on finding the direct cause of pain and not just treating the symptoms. Therefore, you will undergo orthopedic testing and manual therapy to the lower back, hip and leg to assist in reducing pain and inflammation, as well as to assist in a return to your activities of daily living. Once pain is under control, a long term management plan including exercise prescription will be provided to you to assist in strengthening the pathway of the sciatic nerve to avoid re-aggravation of symptoms.

Osteopaths are also qualified to refer for imaging, if deemed necessary for more accurate diagnosis of your pain.

If you believe you are suffering from sciatic and need assistance to revive your health book now!

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Written By:

Samantha Volarich Osteopath | Director of Revive Osteopathy