What is sciatica? - Bradbourne Osteopathic Practice

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom of pain that typically radiates from the lower back, down the leg and often ending in the foot. This may be accompanied by tingling/pins and needles, numbness and weakness of the foot and ankle. These symptoms can be aggravated by lifting, bending, sitting, standing, and walking. The medical term for sciatica is radicular pain.

In layman’s terms, sciatica occurs when one of the sciatic nerve roots (either L4, L5, or S1) becomes compressed or inflamed, typically from either a disc herniation, or a condition called stenosis.

Commonest causes of sciatica

Disc herniation is the commonest cause of sciatica. A disc herniation, which can also be called a slipped disc, or bulge, is a sometimes painful condition of the spine that occurs when the material from the centre of the disc escapes and irritates the adjacent lumbar nerve root.

Spinal Stenosis is another common cause of sciatica in older people. Stenosis occurs when one or more of the bony holes between vertebrae become narrowed (due to degenerative change/arthritis) and compress or irritate the adjacent lumbar nerve root.

Risk Factors For Sciatica

Your occupation may significantly increase the chances of developing sciatica. Research has indicated that performing heavy manual labour and, ironically, sedentary work are the two types of employment most frequently associated with sciatica. Research has also demonstrated that the type of occupation least associated with the development of sciatica involves a combination of sitting, standing, and moderate physical activity.

Treatment

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline recommends manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation, or massage) as part of a treatment package including exercise.

NICE also recommends the prescribing an anti inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen and an opioid such as codeine with or without paracetamol. If pain remains uncontrolled drugs to treat neuropathic pain, such as amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin are advised.

Without question, the best treatment for sciatica is TIME. The good news is that, 60-80% of people suffering with sciatica will completely recover within 6 to 8 weeks.

Testimonials

The practice has a calm friendly atmosphere, receptionists are lovely and the treatment is superb. Both myself and my husband have used their services with excellent results. Would and do highly recommend.

C. Matthews

A very warm and welcoming clinic with extremely professional staff. Ive had a problem with my shoulder for the past 10 months and the osteopath was able to get me on the road to recovery and diagnose the problem. I would recommend clinic to anyone seeking professional and high quality help.

L. Corse

My first experience of an Osteopath, very professional and I felt better as soon as I left. Very clean and calm environment with a lovely receptionist

S. Butcher

It was my second visit to Bradbourne Osteopathic today. What a lovely experience in peaceful surroundings. I’ve been suffering with restriction in my back for 2 weeks. It’s really eased. Staff are very knowledgeable and thorough . Felt like I was in good hands . Easy parking too

L. Anthony

Booked in last minute as struggled with pain in neck and lower back. Receptionist very helpful and accomadating. Saw Matt and he eased the pain dramatically. Been here before so knew I would get a great service as always.

X. Xapilaou

Fantastic service from booking in to treatment. Will definitely come back if I need to. The staff are so friendly and you are made to feel relaxed from the moment you walk in.

I. Hall

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