Sciatica – what it is and what it isn’t

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Sciatica what it is and what it isnt
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• There is a common misconception that any pain
  in the leg is sciatica, however, true sciatica
  is a term that describes the symptoms caused by
  the sciatic nerve being pinched or compressed,
  not pain resulting from other issues such as
  referred joint, disc or muscular pain.

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• The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back,
  through the buttocks and down the back of the
  thigh to the lower leg and foot, meaning that the
  symptoms of sciatica typically pain, pins and
  needles and/or numbness can occur anywhere
  along this course.

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What causes sciatica?

• Sciatica is commonly caused by a bulging disc
  in the lower back and/or tight muscles in the
  buttock region, but can also be the result of
  other conditions such as spinal degeneration and
  traumatic injuries.

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• In many cases however, leg pain is not due to
  the sciatic nerve being pinched and is therefore
  not technically sciatica. Conditions such as
  muscle strains, trigger points and sacroiliac
  joint dysfunction can cause very similar pain to
  that felt in true sciatica, but usually dont
  cause pins and needles or numbness.

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• Because of this, it is important that you
  have your symptoms properly assessed so the
  correct diagnosis is made and the optimal
  treatment program can be created.

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• To assess your pain, your physiotherapist
  will ask you a series of questions relating to
  your symptoms, watch you move and use hands on
  techniques to feel for joint and muscle mobility.

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• Once it has been established that the
  symptoms are in fact due to the sciatic nerve
  being pinched, treatment will involve trying to
  relieve this pressure. Physiotherapists can use
  techniques such as joint mobilisations to open up
  joints that are causing pressure on the nerve and
  massage to loosen tight muscles that are pressing
  on the nerve.

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What can you do?

• If you think you are experiencing
  sciatic pain, there are a few simple things you
  can do to try to relieve the pain and discomfort
  associated with the condition until you can see a
  physiotherapist.

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• 1. Lie down to alleviate the pressure of
  gravity on the nerve
• 2. Change positions frequently to avoid
  joints and muscles stiffening up
• 3. Use a heat pack on your lower back and/or
  buttocks to minimise the muscle spasm

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• Although the symptoms of sciatica are
  extremely unpleasant in the early stages, with
  proper management they can be settled and
  prevented from returning. The experienced
  physiotherapists at North West Physiotherapy will
  work with you to help get you back on your feet
  as quickly as possible and give you exercises and
  strategies to ensure that your sciatica does not
  return.

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• Contact us on 3353 4111 to book an
  appointment and get yourself on the road to
  recovery.
• http//northwestphysio.com.au/