Can an osteopath help with sciatica?

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica or “pinched nerve” can be caused by irritation, pinching or compression of the sciatic nerve. Generally, the most common symptom of sciatica is when you feel sharp, shooting pain from your low back down the back of one of your legs.

Other symptoms can include:

• Pain, numbness or weakness in your low back, glutes or down the leg.

• Pins and needles feeling in your legs, toes or feet.

• In some severe cases, loss of bowel and bladder control.

Gernally, health proffesionals consider sciatica as a symptom when compared to a diagnosis. As we want to find out what the root cause is, treatment can then be tailored appropriately and more effectively.

Conditions that can cause sciatica?

The root cause of sciatica can often be irritation or compression due to conditions such as a herniated disc (most common), spinal stenosis, or degeneration.

Can osteopathy help with sciatica?

First, we will find the root cause of your sciatica (from a History and Examination). Then I can educate (diagnosis) and give you an idea of how long it will take to get better (prognosis). Treatment techniques for sciatica generally include dry needling, soft/deep tissue massage, mobilisation, stretching and manipulation.

For more on what is osteopathy treatment?

Exercises to help sciatica?

Motion is Lotion!

One of my favourite exercises for sciatic is Nerve Flossing (nerve/neural gliding)! Yes just like flossing your teeth, but with your sciatic nerve. This helps stretch irritated nerves and may increase your range of motion and/or decrease your pain.

Nerve floss example: Sit in a chair. Round your back and lower your head so your weight is down through your tail bone. Slowly begin to straighten your affected leg out until you reach the point of tension in the nerve. Do not push any further than this point. Holding your knee in this position, raise your head up whilst moving your toes in towards you, then lower your head back down and point your toes as you do so. Perform the movement fluidly. *Nerve flossing shouldn’t be painful. If you start to feel pain, stop.

Other static and dynamic stretches to your low back, glutes and surrounding areas may also be beneficial.

Generally, with sciatic symptoms, nerve flossing works best when combined with other treatments. Based on your underlying cause of the sciatic, the most appropriate treatment option can be recommended.