The sciatic nerve is the main nerve running from the lower back to your foot and any irritation or pinching of this nerve can cause severe leg pain, which is commonly called Sciatica. Long term and unrelenting compression of the Sciatic nerve can cause damage or affect its function. These symptoms could permanent, so especially in progressive and persistent cases, we would recommend consulting for a comprehensive assessment.
What are the common symptoms of Sciatica?
Any occurrence of the following symptoms could indicate Sciatica:
- A burning or tingling sensation running down the leg
- One side of the calf being in constant pain
- Pain in the hip, buttock or leg (especially when seated)
- The leg or foot feeling weak, numb, or if you have difficulty moving it
- A shooting pain when trying to stand.
What causes Sciatica?
Pressure or irritation at any point along the length of the sciatic nerve can cause Sciatica symptoms. These can include; a swollen or bulging disc, bony arthritic growths, or a spinal joint with altered movement, leading to irritation, possible altered function and potential damage to the nerve. This pressure and swelling may even be caused by stretching the nerve and it’s therefore essential to recognise that these symptoms could be aggravated by additional stretching.
It is also important to note that other sources of leg pain, like ‘Spinal stenosis’, ‘Spondylolisthesis’, ‘Sacroiliac dysfunction’ and even a localised injury to the leg, can all mimic Sciatica so it may be unwise to make assumptions without a reliable assessment. Interchangeable terms for sciatica include pinched nerve and ‘Piriformis syndrome’.
Ultimately, the cause of the pressure rather than the label for the symptoms or its location(s) needs to be determined correctly to accurately address the condition. Pressure may be caused by simple and quickly reversible mechanical conditions or more complex structural or inflammatory causes where we’ll recommend including your doctor or specialist in the recovery journey.
What is my best course of action?
Contact your Physiotherapist directly who will approach the assessment from a neutral, clinical perspective to note the factors relevant to you and your presentation. Your assessment may include reflex testing, muscle power, sensation, neural tension and mobility to see if and how these interact with the symptoms you’ve ben experiencing.
You will be asked about previous injuries/trauma, problematic bladder or bowel control, previous cancers, fever or uncontrolled loss of weight to gain a complete understanding of you medical history. Work, activity, stress and social factors may also affect these conditions and their rehabilitation so the comprehensive assessment will include those elements.
If necessary your Physiotherapist will send you for X-rays, or possibly refer you for a specialist opinion, which may require an MRI scan.
Rest assured that most cases respond very well to conservative management, especially when the symptoms have developed over time rather than occurring suddenly after a traumatic event.
Contact us for a comprehensive assessment if you experience symptoms that we collaborate on a treatment plan that aims for a) pain relief and protection, b) restoring flexibility, strength and good posture, c) restoring full function and control to ultimately limit and prevent recurrences, allowing you to live fully!