The Sciatic nerve is made up of the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. They combine to become the largest nerve in the body. It forms in the pelvis and travels down from the buttock into the back of the thigh and leg. If something presses on the nerve or irritates it the nerve then cause pain down its distribution. So Sciatica occurs in this area. The most common cause is a Lumbar disc that is herniated, degenerative or inflamed. It isn’t a medical diagnosis. It is more of a common way of explaining symptoms.

Sciatica Nerve Pain

Sciatica can be one or more of the following –

• Constant pain in the buttock, back of the thigh / leg. (rarely can occur in both legs)
• Pain increases when sitting
• Leg pain can be burning, shooting or tingling
• Weakness/ difficulty moving the leg or foot. Reduced sensation or numbness.
• The sharp pain that makes it hard to stand or move.

Advise –

please see our video

• 20 Minute Rule – Try to avoid sitting or standing for more than 20 minutes.
• Try Ice 10 minutes on to the low back or Heat for 20 minutes. (Depends on underlying cause which works best)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Paracetamol may help also. Please read the instructions and contraindication leaflet with the drugs.
• Gentle Rocking and rolling exercises. (Link to stretching)
• Stretching the Buttocks and Thigh muscles. (Link to stretching)
• If you get any changes in your bowels movement, urination or complete loss of sensation please contact you GP to go to A+E.

Long Term Advise – (Once acute phase has passed.)

• Improvement of fitness. Take up some gentle exercise. Yoga, Palates,
• Walk more. Try to walk for 20 minutes or more a day. Park further away and walk.
• Take up a sport, Start Swimming, Join a Gym.
• Daily stretching routine.
• Weight loss.
• Improved diet and Increase fluid intake.

You can also ask our advice at any stage either via email, or call us and one of our team will call you back. Please email info@osteopathicconsultancy.co.uk