What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition caused by an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back to your feet. Sciatica will often get better naturally in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.

Symptoms of sciatica

Pain which could be stabbing, shooting or burning to your bottom, back of one leg and/or foot/toes. In addition you may have back pain but this won’t be as severe as the pain in your bottom, leg or foot.

You may also experience tingling – like pins and needles, numbness and a weakness.

Symptoms may feel worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. Sleep can be disturbed when pain persists when lying on your back.

Things that can help sciatica

• As soon as you can start with gentle exercise – anything that gets you moving can help.
• Use heat packs on the affected area.
• Put a small, firm cushion between your knees when sleeping on your side, or, if you sleep on your back use several firm pillows underneath your knees.

Things to avoid

• Lying down for long periods – even if it’s painful to move, keeping as active as possible will help relieve the pain.
• Being inactive for long periods.

Treatment of sciatica

As mentioned, it may clear up itself in 4 -6 weeks, to help recovery it is best to continue with your normal activities where possible. If you can keep moving.

At Theale Wellbeing Centre we offer both Osteopathy, IDD and Acupuncture to help relieve this painful condition.