Sciatica – Assessed & Treated in Hastings

Physiotherapists regularly treat sciatica and can offer a number of different and effective options to help resolve this common problem.

Sciatica is characterized by pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and travels into one or both legs.  Technically, true sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve that exits the lower back and runs through the buttock, rear thigh and calf.  However most pain that is referred into these regions does not originate from this structurally ‘pinched nerve’ scenario, rather it is simply radiated from something else that is sore around the lower back.  You may hear other, similar terms including lumbago, or piriformis syndrome, and pain from the sacro-iliac joint may also mimic sciatica.  Your physio can help diagnose your sciatica correctly and discuss the best way to resolve the issue.

Good Physiotherapy always begins with a conversation where your physio will listen to your story and ask a number of questions to help them fully understand your problems and your symptoms. This is followed by a thorough physical examination to help determine the best course of action.

Scans: Modern medical science has shown that scans do not help diagnose or resolve sciatica in the majority of cases because most people- even without back pain- will have some abnormality anyway.  Your physio is trained to know when a scan IS important and can discuss your options in detail with you after performing your assessment.

Treatment

Any treatment for sciatica should involve regular movement.  Advice to completely rest is considered quite outdated, and your physio will help you to find the most effective, safe and comfortable ways to get moving.

Other options include various forms of hands-on treatment or massage, hydrotherapy or pool exercise, specific stretches, gentle stregth exercise, pilates-type exercises and many more.

Contact us today for more information.