Overview

What is Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica is a form of “neuralgia” or nerve pain, specific of the Sciatic nerve that forms out of multiple nerve roots exiting the lumbar spine to then travel down the back of the leg. The pain is often described as sharp, shooting or burning, localised to the distribution or pathway that the sciatic nerve innervates. It may also be used to refer to other neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pins and needles down the back of the leg and into the foot/ankle.

Sciatica Causes

Sciatica is caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Thinking of a nerve as a garden hose, if you were to have a kink or compression of your garden hose you would not get nearly as much water pressure than without the kinks. The same happens with a nerve. If there is a site of compression along a nerve you will get less innervation from the nerve which is the reason you may experience some numbness or pins/needles.

Nerves are also your brain’s way of understanding what you are physically feeling/sensing around your body. Nerves need to be sensitive to be able to tell the brain exactly what your body is feeling. This hypersensitivity is also why when a nerve is irritated it can be highly painful.

Sciatica can occur due a range of different reasons.

• Acute – An acute episode of sciatica can occur due to a specific injury to the back that may be from lifting a heavy object with poor form for example. This type of Sciatica may be from an acute lumbar disc bulge.
• Chronic – chronic or long lasting sciatica is experienced due to a more long-standing condition of the lumbar spine such as degeneration of the disc or spine causing nerve root compression.

Things that can aggravate Sciatica:

• Prolonged sitting
• Inactivity
• Lifting heavy objects with poor techniques
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain

Sciatica Treatment

Massage for Sciatica

Massage can benefit individuals suffering from sciatica as a common associated symptom experienced with sciatica is muscle tension and spasming. Massage can give relief to people suffering from tense or spasming muscles.

Physiotherapy for Sciatica

A Physiotherapist may also provide relief from Sciatica via manual therapy techniques such as massage, dry needling, spinal manipulation and ART (Active Release Technique). On top of manual therapy a physio will also be able to prescribe exercises for sciatic pain.

Chiropractic for Sciatica

Similarly to Physiotherapists, a Chiropractor will look to provide relief of Sciatica via manual therapy techniques as well as tailored exercises for sciatica. Sciatica is a common issue that Chiropractors will see as traditionally they specialise in conditions of the spine and nervous system.