A common complaint in our physiotherapy practice is low back pain. Low back pain can manifest itself in many forms. If you experience lower back pain with radiation to the buttocks and legs, you may have sciatica. What it is, how it occurs and what you can do about it we will tell you in this blog.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a common form of lower back pain. The pain is caused by the largest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve, or large leg nerve. This nerve runs from the back and sacrum through the buttock to the back of the leg to the foot. Pain symptoms occur when this nerve is irritated, inflamed or damaged. For example, due to entrapment of the nerve. It is also known as ischialgia or sciatic neuralgia.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
In sciatica, the pain starts in the low back and can continue through the buttock into the leg and even into the foot. Symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Most people with sciatica experience a stabbing and burning pain in the form of shoots. The pain is not continuous but with movement, the pain symptoms usually worsen. Sometimes the pain shoots make it difficult to stand upright or climb stairs.
What causes sciatica?
There are a number of causes that increase the risk of sciatica. These are:
- long-term overuse of the lower back; e.g. due to heavy lifting
- stenosis of spinal canal or nerve outlet
- prolonged stress that can change your posture
- osteoarthritis or arthritis of the spine
- pregnancy and childbirth
- spit
- hernia
- bone tumours around the spinal cord (very rare)
How long does sciatica last?
Recovery from sciatica varies from person to person and also depends on the cause. With the help of physiotherapy, symptoms often disappear after just a few weeks. Usually, the symptoms then stay away. Because sciatica is often mistaken for a herniated disc, it is important to investigate the cause properly. Our specialised physiotherapists can determine whether the complaints can be treated with physiotherapy. If in doubt, we will refer you to another specialist.
Does physiotherapy help sciatica?
Sciatica is well treatable with physiotherapy. Dosed rest and exercises for the back muscles are often needed. Exercise such as walking is also recommended provided the pain allows it. Sciatica treatment at our physiotherapy practice is always tailor-made because the cause of the condition can vary from person to person. Together with the physiotherapist, you will make a treatment plan aimed at strengthening your muscles and improving your posture. Massage or manual therapy can relieve pressure on the nerve so that the pain disappears. Furthermore, we will work with you to look at lifestyle and habits and teach you how to lift properly.
Do you suspect you have sciatica and want to recover quickly?
At FriskFysio, we have extensive experience with various forms of back pain, including sciatica and herniated disc disease. Don't wait any longer and take contact with us to make an appointment. This can also be done by phone 085-5000333 or via info@friskfysio.nl.
