Sciatica

Conditions

Irritation of the sciatic nerve is normally caused by a herniated disc (slipped disc) impinging one of the roots of the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spine but may also be irritated in pirifromis syndrome as well as from other structures within the spine.  Nerve root impingement symptoms depend on the degree and location of the impingement but tend to be sharper than mechanical back pain and include neurological symptoms.

Treatment 

Treatment is similar to Low back pain treatment but as symptoms are usually more severe it may take longer to resolve  .

Treatment is based on relieving pain and restoring function , specifically offloading the impingement of the nerve , as soon as possible and changing the underlying factors where possible.  This may be done with :

• Manual therapy
• Acupuncture
• Exercises , including stretches , strengthening , stabilising or corrective exercises.
• Activity modification , such as discuusing work postures and patterns or weight lifting form for example

Professional Referral Service

In cases where the symptoms are worsening it may be appropriate to refer to the GP for help with pain relief or to spinal specialists for more  treatment options. The Physiotherapist will advise you accordingly and can  liaise with your GP regarding further tests or may send you directly for a surgical opinion or further investigations .