What causes Sciatica?
This week on the Physio blog we are talking all things Sciatica and what causes it to come on. Its a common condition we see a lot of here so we wanted to share and discuss what it is and what can set it off.
Everyone has heard of the term sciatica, but what actually is it?
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not just any old lower back pain, it is in my opinion nothing short of a horrendous thing to suffer from. Dating back as far as 1764 it was first linked to the nerves originating out from the lower spinal cord which are thought to get pressed on. People will mostly associate Sciatica with severe pain running down the back of one leg and into their calf muscle &/or foot, giving with it a constant pins and needles &/or numbness feeling. Strangely people with Sciatica often don’t suffer with that much lower back pain?
*Just to note you can get pains down your legs for many reasons beyond just sciatica. Therefore if you are in any doubt about an injury/pain like this, then you must seek profession help from a qualified Doctor or Physio to get a accurate diagnosis.
What causes Sciatica?
Many things can cause sciatica but here are just a few:
Prolapsed disc, Disc bulges, Arthritis of the spine, Increased weight gain, Poor core/back strength, post-pregnancy and lifestyle/job factors e.g. too much sitting down.
Specific nerve roots coming off the spinal cord in the lower back seem to become highly ‘irritated’ and inflamed in cases of Sciatica. Researchers seem to think this is what causes the horrible pain right down the leg and nerve pain sensations. So the term ‘trapped nerve’ is not 100% accurate and a little outdated, as nerves don’t have to be physically ‘trapped’ to give you these symptoms! This nerve inflammation can remain even after your symptoms appear to improve (but we don’t know why?) This maybe the reason in some cases Sciatica can return months/years later again?
Winter is generally the time of the year when we are most tempted than ever not to go outside and do much exercise. It is far more easy to just sit and order things online or simply drive everywhere instead of walking? This probably explains why we see a spike in cases of Sciatica at this time of the year here at The Physio & Sports Injury Clinic, from too much sitting/slouching.
Can physio help Sciatica?
Yes and No. Physio can be a good solution for people suffering with Sciatica as GP medication often doesn't touch the pain at all (and just makes you feel totally drowsy). Physio however is not a quick fix and takes minimum 8-12 weeks to have any effect. This is why initially the pain can feel like it gets worse before it gets better when starting up with Physio for Sciatica. So don’t give up as the more you persist with the physio/rehab exercise then eventually the pain levels can drop and get under control again. Acupuncture is also often a good adjunct treatment to help relieve nerve pain and muscle spasms, which we offer our clients here.
If you, a friend or family member are suffering with Sciatica at the moment and don’t know what to do, then click the link below to get in touch with our Physio - Oliver. He can speak directly with you for FREE to see whats happened and how he may be able to help.