Sciatica is commonly misdiagnosed, which can result is either slow or non-responsive treatment. Leg pain can have various sources. It can be a local leg injury or it may even be referred from your lower back. The main nerve that travels from your lower back to your leg is your sciatic nerve. Irritation or pinching of your sciatic nerve can cause severe leg pain known as sciatica. Sciatica describes pain felt along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, down through the buttock, hamstrings and into the lower leg / foot. Pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disc is the main cause of sciatica. Joint inflammation, compression of the nerve from bony arthritic growths or a locked facet joint in the lower spine can also commonly cause sciatica.
Sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg. It is very important to seek medical attention in these situations as long-term nerve compression can permanently damage the nerve and its function.
One or more of the following sensations may occur because of Sciatica:
- Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the rear calf
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
Treating sciatica usually begins with a brief period of rest from the aggravating activity and manual therapy treatment to settle the acute pain. Your APSS therapist will use hands on techniques that address the cause of your pain. In addition to pain-relieving techniques your APSS therapist will provide exercises that assist your specific back deficiencies. This may include some loosening, stabilisation or strengthening exercises. Exactly which exercises work best for you will vary depending on the cause of your sciatica.