Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica is nerve pain which travels down the Sciatic Nerve, through the buttocks and legs. It may also be associated with ‘pins and needles’ or even numbness, which usually starts in the big toe and works up the back of the leg.
Normally caused by a bulging or slipped disc putting pressure on the Sciatic Nerve, it can be agonising.
Sciatica can be highly variable, sometimes giving an ache after activity, or so painful that sufferers are unable to stand and need painkillers to help control the pain.
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.