Sciatica (leg pain)

Sciatica is commonly used to describe any pain in the buttock or leg. It's often due to a problem at the level of the low lumbar spine, which stimulates nerves as they pass through this region. Although there is technically no injury to the leg, it's possible to suffer from a referred pain from the spine which is felt in the leg. However clinical experience often shows that the pain usually responds very well to treatment once the offending area has been properly identified.

True sciatica is due to a nerve entrapment of the sciatic nerve. It is felt as a sharp pain radiating down the back of the leg and often into the sole of the foot and big toe. It may be associated with 'pins and needles' or even numbness, which usually starts in the big toe and works up the back of the leg. This is due to an entrapment at the level of the spine (radiculopathy), more commonly known as a 'slipped disc', potentially the most serious form of sciatica; There is some evidence to support the fact that osteopathic treatment can help with this type of sciatic pain* but about 5% of patients will require surgery and a larger number may respond to an epidural injection. Our Osteopaths will be able to properly asses your condition and inform you if this would be advisable and would subsequently be able to refer you appropriately.

However we do advise that you should start treatment within 72 hours of the onset of sciatic pain as the disc has usually been damaged over a long period of time due to abnormal spinal mechanics. A proper assessment and prompt treatment is essential to see if it's possible to correct these stresses and given some time, allow the disc to heal without the need for surgery or epidural.

Sciatic pain may also result from a condition known as Pyriformis Syndrome. This may occur as the sciatic nerve runs close to the Pyriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, which may spasm due to a number of reasons and can lead to a trapped nerve. This condition mimics the symptoms of a slipped disc almost completely but is usually much easier to correct and responds well to osteopathic treatment.

*Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010, 18:3 doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-3 Article URL http://www.chiroandosteo.com/content/18/1/3