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What Is Sciatica?
Updated April 2023
Sciatica is a common form of back pain that affects the lower half of the body. It is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine, into the buttock, down back of the leg ending in the foot. In normal life it has to extend much as 1 cm during walking. However, sciatica has become a general term, describing any pain in the leg, including referred pain.
Referred Pain is pain that is perceived in a different area to where the injury is. For example in the early stages of a heart attack people may feel pain in the left arm – and nothing in the chest.
Pressure on the Sciatic Nerve
Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause any anything from back pain, pain into the buttock, hip or down the leg; it can also cause just hip pain, just knee pain, just ankle pain or even only foot pain. On top these may be accompanied by pins and needles, or numbness in any of these areas Other classic symptoms may include burning; a feeling of being hit by a cricket bat; a deep aching pressure in the leg or hot or cold sensations. When the sciatic nerve is significantly damaged it can also lead to loss of strength in the leg, or an inability to stand up or walk properly. This is rare but if left untreated permanent nerve damage can occur. No wonder Sciatica is a beast to put right and requires expert help promptly.
What Causes Sciatica?
The commonest cause of sciatica is due to entrapment of the sciatic nerve in or around the spinal bones. In a typical case of sciatica a disc bulges out between the two spinal bones and on to the delicate nerve. There are other causes of sciatica including wear and tear, and inflammation. For more information on sciatica and trapped nerves click here please.
Sciatica Relief at the Living Centre Clinic
The main aim of treatment is to take pressure of the disc which in turn takes pressure of the nerve and stop the muscle tightening up again.
We are one of the very few UK clinics that have the advanced treatment beds. This provides treatments that surpass what can be achieved by unassisted manual therapy. The bed uses a soothing rocking motion to painlessly give immediate relief where it is neeed most.
The secret of our success at treating sciatica is due to the unique combination of these spine decompressing treatments with the application of clinical massage and traction at specific points along the spine which further reduce pressure on the spinal nerves. Pain reducing exercises are also taught.
Our treatments are endorsed by GPs and consultants including orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and neurologist specialists and we can make requests for MRI's, X-rays , blood tests etc. privately or through your GP. We offer insurance approved pain consultants who are registered with leading health insurance providers.
We believe in involving the patient in their proactively in their recovery. We know if a patient understands what to do and when, they can help speed up recovery and avoid future problems. Following recovery, rehabilitative therapy is available with our experienced Pilates instructor, offering continued therapeutic support.
We can help you ease your pain fast. Call us today 0208 9462331
