Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and is often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Recognizing the symptoms of sciatica is key to early treatment and pain relief. Common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain that extends through the hip and buttock and down one leg.
• Pain that feels like a bad leg cramp, or can be excruciating, shooting pain that makes sitting or standing difficult.
• Pain that worsens with movements such as coughing or sneezing.
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk.

Patients suffering from sciatica often report:

• Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Limited mobility and difficulty performing routine tasks.
• Discomfort that disrupts sleep and daily life.
• Frustration with the persistent, sometimes unpredictable nature of sciatic pain.

Chiropractic,Osteopathy and Physiotherapy care is highly effective in treating sciatica by addressing the underlying causes of nerve compression.