Sciatica
Osteopath for sciatica in Southend
What’s Actually Happening in Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, often due to pressure or inflammation.
The nerve runs from your lower spine through the buttock and down the leg, which is why symptoms travel.
The nerve runs from your lower spine through the buttock and down the leg, which is why symptoms travel.
Causes In More Detail
- Disc issues – bulges or herniations pressing on the nerve
- Muscle compression – eg piriformis syndrome
- Joint stiffness – reduced spinal movement increasing nerve sensitivity
- Inflammation – surrounding tissues irritating the nerve
Typical Symptom Patterns
- Pain radiating down the leg
- One-sided symptoms (usually)
- Tingling, pins and needles, weakness or numbness
- Pain worse when sitting or bending, often at night
How Osteopathy Assesses the Problem
The aim is to:
- Reduce irritation around the nerve
- Improve movement in the spine
- Reduce any muscle tension causing compression
- Improve contributing postural abnormalities
Treatment Approach
Techniques may include:
- Gentle spinal mobilisation
- Soft tissue release in the glutes and lower back
- Advice on exercise & stretching
- Advice on movement and positions to avoid
What Makes Sciatica Worse?
- Sitting for long periods
- Slouching
- Sudden twisting or lifting
- Lack of movement
- Leaving untreated
How Long Does Sciatica Last?
Many cases can resolve in weeks, but some can last for months (up to 2 years in severe cases) depending on the underlying cause.
Red Flags (when to seek urgent medical care)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness
- Numbness in the saddle area
Supported By Research
Research supports osteopathy's effectiveness - a significant number of randomised controlled trials have found that patients with sciatica who received osteopathic manipulative treatment experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in function compared to control groups.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of lower back pain and sciatica, osteopathic treatment should be considered as part of a treatment package that includes exercise and psychological support.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of lower back pain and sciatica, osteopathic treatment should be considered as part of a treatment package that includes exercise and psychological support.
Long Term Prevention
- Exercises and stretches
- Identifying weak core and postural muscles
- Optimising ergonomics
- Managing stress levels
- Regular maintenance - osteopathy, massage and acupuncture
Looking for more advice about sciatica?
If you're looking for more advice about sciatica and how osteopathy can help, book an appointment with our principal osteopath, Michael Snell.
