Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain and discomfort along the sciatic nerve from irritation or compression. The sciatic nerve travels from your lower back through the buttocks and hips and down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body and runs from the back of the pelvis down to the feet. The most common cause of sciatica is from a slipped disc. However, other spinal conditions may also play a major role in causing sciatica. Examples of these spinal conditions include: spinal injury, spinal tumour, or a spinal infection.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica are commonly exclusive to the legs and buttocks. These symptoms of usually:

 

  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Weakness of the calf muscles
  • Tingling

 

How is sciatica treated?

Common treatments of sciatica include: 

 

  • Dry needling
  • Acupuncture
  • Nerve mobilisation
  • Interferential current and TENS to reduce pain
  • Laser therapy
  • Manual therapy
  • Rehabilitation exercises
  • Chiropractic and massage therapy
  • Ultrasound