Can Osteopaths Fix Sciatica?
When one thinks of Sciatica one associates it with pain, frustration, and disruption to normal daily function.
There is a lot of misunderstanding of what sciatica is with people referring to back pain and any type of leg pain as “sciatica”. On one occasion a patient informed me that they had sciatica in their arm. It took a little explaining but the misunderstanding was cautiously explained without any blushes from the patient.
Sciatica is in fact characterised by often severe pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve’s pathway descending from the lower back, through the buttocks, past the hips and down the back of one or occasionally both legs. Sometimes with weakness, pins & needles, numbness and tingling. It can be a very painful, debilitating and miserable experience that may be constant or intermittent.
There are many remedies and therapies that may offer relief from sciatica however the holistic approach of osteopathy makes it a stands out treatment for your recovery.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom of other underlying issues such as a herniated intervertebral disk or bony compression or muscle tightness that may irritate part of the sciatic nerve. This irritation can trigger severe sharp pains and may lead to one experiencing numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
Sciatica is experienced when another structure puts pressure upon or damages the sciatic nerve at its root or somewhere along its path from the low back down to the foot.
The sciatic nerve supplies signals to the muscles of the back of the thigh, the lower leg and the foot to stimulate muscle action. It is also a sensory nerve providing feeling from the outer and back parts of the lower leg and the foot.
Common causes of sciatica include:
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle contraction deep to the buttock)
- Pelvic injury or fracture
- Herniated (bulging / slipped) disc
- Spinal stenosis – (narrowing of the nerve pathways in the spine)
- Spondylolisthesis (Spinal Slip)
- Tumours
- Hip Arthritis
- Being overweight
- Muscle weakness
Treating Sciatica – The Osteopaths Role
To treat sciatica effectively requires a broad holistic approach from your osteopath so that the root cause of the problem can be identified and addressed.
Osteopaths are experts at enquiring, understanding and treating issues such as sciatica. We are often the first choice when faced with these problems.
Most osteopaths will regularly deal with patients suffering from sciatic issues. Your osteopath will ask questions and examine you in order to understand your symptoms and you wider heath condition. They will then be able to offer you an explanation and if appropriate, develop a treatment plan to aid your recovery. In some circumstances it may be necessary to refer you to your
GP or A&E for further tests and treatment.
If you think you might be suffering from sciatica, contact Alex Lubel at The Osteopathy Centre in; Whetstone, South Woodford or Walthamstow for an initial consultation and assessment to determine if your ailments are sciatic and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. 0203 928 6999 help@theosteopathycentre.com
How Osteopathy Complements Traditional Sciatica Treatments?
Osteopathy is a primary medical discipline that aims to restore (as best as possible) the structure of the body in order to improve function. By addressing the root causes of your Sciatica, it is hoped that your function will be restored to a more appropriate level and as such reduce or stop your pain.
It would be lovely to say that we – Osteopaths – can cure your problems but the truth of the matter is that if you have significant degeneration or damage affecting your sciatic nerve our role is to realistically help you manage your condition.
Osteopathy doesn’t have to work alone. When the cause of your sciatica is more complicated, your osteopath may refer you to your GP or a specialist for further tests / imaging. Osteopathic treatment can go hand in hand with other medical treatment options to create a multidisciplinary approach to your management. In some cases of sciatica, Injections or surgery might be necessary modes of treatment – these are options to discuss with a specialist.
Finding Relief: The Osteopathy Centre
The Osteopathy Centre is a leading osteopathic clinic in North London covering Whetstone N20, South Woodford E18 & Walthamstow E17 providing exceptional care and support for optimal well-being. Our holistic approach includes hands-on manual techniques, postural management, exercise prescription, and lifestyle guidance. Experience relief, improved mobility, and better quality of life with with The Osteopathy Centre.
Whilst informative, this article shouldn’t replace professional medical advice. Always consult a Registered Osteopath or other healthcare professional to help determine the most appropriate action for you!