SCIATICA

Sciatica is a condition whereby the Sciatic nerve is irritated in some way, resulting in symptoms along the path the Sciatic nerve runs. Often, but not always accompanied by lower back pain. The Sciatic nerve exits via a number of levels in the spine in your lower back and travels underneath your buttocks down the posterior part of your leg. The nerve can be irritated in a variety of ways. Either by inflammation from sprained facets, ligaments or muscles. It can be compressed by arthritic changes or disc injuries. A twisted pelvis can also cause irritation of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms normally include pins & needles, pain, numbness, reduction in muscle tone, altered sensation on the skin and even muscle weakness in the leg.

WHAT PRACTITIONER AT THE AARK CLINIC SHOULD I SEE?

We recommend Osteopathic treatment with Lloyd Tilney. Osteopaths treat sciatica pain and lower back pain every day and can help alleviate the symptoms. It is important to relieve the irritation to the sciatic nerve as soon as possible to prevent lasting effects of nerve damage.

As part of your treatment at The Aark, you will also receive specific Sciatica exercises that will further speed up the recovery from Sciatica pain. An Osteopath will ensure you perform Sciatica exercises correctly, as depending on your individual sciatica pain symptoms, it is common to worsen and/or delay optimum healing. Sciatica treatment needs to be very specific in order to prevent further lower back pain. If you suspect you have Sciatica book an appointment today.

Find out more about Osteopathy or contact us for more information.

OSTEOPATHY CONTACT

AUTHOR: LLOYD TILNEY BOst PRINCIPLE OSTEOPATH AT THE AARK CLINIC

Sitting on the Problem

Do you carry your wallet in your back pocket? Do you have back pain?…..Is your wallet causing your back pain?

This condition has been named ‘Hip pocket syndrome’ or ‘wallet neuropathy’ Either way, for some of us, it’s a ‘pain in the back side, Literally!

Did you know that carrying a wallet in your back pocket can:

Cause sciatic neuropathy (Pain, pins & needles, numbness and weakness down the back of the thigh, calf or foot).
Unlevel the pelvis leading to postural adaptations
Cause low back pain
Cause upper back & neck pain

Many men still carry their wallet in their back pocket, and do not attribute their back ache or leg pain to their bulging wallet.

Infact, the wallet doesn’t even need to carry a great deal in order to upset the balance in the pelvis.Slight imbalances can lead to a scoliotic pattern forming, Piriformis muscle spasm, sciatic nerve impingement and direct sciatic nerve compression in the buttock, all potentially causing debilitating pain.

If this sounds like your pain, try removing your wallet when seated for two weeks and see if the symptoms dissipate!

Exercises to alleviate the symptoms