Sciatica
Here at Twyford Chiropractic Clinic we are highly skilled and experienced at relieving sciatic pain
Sciatica is felt in the buttock and leg. Sometimes it travels all the way down into the ankle and foot.
It is often but not always associated with low back pain, pins and needles, numbness and weakness in the leg or foot.
What causes Sciatica?
Prolapsed/Slipped Discs:
In between each vertebra, there is a disc, the disc acts as a shock absorber and provides movement between the vertebrae so that our spines are flexible rather than rigid. The disc has an outer ring and an inner gel-like sac. It is common for the sac to bulge or herniate through the outer ring without us being aware that it has happened, this is part of normal ageing like grey hair and wrinkles. If however, the sac presses on a nerve root or other pain sensitive structure it can cause pain that travels down the leg and sometimes into the foot. It can also cause pins and needles, numbness and weakness.
Osteoarthritis/Spondylosis:
Osteoarthritis and spondylosis refer to the natural wear and tear that occurs in the skeleton. As we age, the body lays down extra mineral deposits around the spine. In some people, these can develop into small bony protrusions, called osteophytes, which can trap nerve roots in the low back causing sciatic pain.
Other causes of leg pain that do not involve the sciatic nerve but involve the low back and pelvis include:
Myofascial pain syndrome
Pain felt in the buttocks can travel down into the legs and be mistaken for sciatica. This pain is not coming from the sciatic nerve but from trigger points in the gluteal or piriformis muscles. A trigger point is a knot of contracted muscle that lies within a taut band of muscle.
Piriformis Syndrome:
Spasm in the piriformis muscle, in the buttock, can trap the sciatic nerve as it travels through this muscle, causing buttock and leg pain, similar to sciatica. Numbness and tingling in the leg and foot may also occur.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Pain at the back of the pelvis, typically on one side, that may also be felt in the low back and buttocks occurs when the sacroiliac joint becomes restricted in its movement. Some people experience a buckling sensation as if their back will give way and not be able to support them. It is often difficult to weight-bear on the involved side.
Our approach
Our recommended treatment depends on the cause of your sciatica. We commonly use K-Laser alongside manipulations, mobilisations, dry needling and stretches. K-Laser speeds up the body’s healing time and gives better tissue repair. We have found K-Laser to be exceedingly helpful in recovery for many conditions, including prolapsed discs, myofascial pain as well as reducing the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.
