Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta 12 Ada Street Harris Park NSW 2150: What is Sciatica?
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain, sometimes accompanied by tingling, numbness and/or weakness, that arise from disruption or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)
Pain that is worse when sitting
Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache)
Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes
A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk
Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes (it rarely occurs only in the foot)
How does sciatica cause my pain?
Each individual nerve in the lower back provides sensation and strength in. different part of the legs. The Sciatic nerve originates from nerve roots of L4 to S3 in the lower back, that combine to form the Sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the body. Sciatica occurs when the Sciatic nerve is compressed at, or near its origin. Compression of the nerve may occur for a number of reasons, including disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis. Sciatica-like symptoms may also occur as the result of muscle tightness in the buttock region, a condition known as Piriformis Syndrome. While this is not true Sciatica, the symptoms can mimic that of true Sciatica. This is not an exhaustive list, but your Physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. The specific location of Sciatica symptoms depends on where the nerve is compressed.
How do I know I know what is causing my Sciatica?
A thorough assessment performed by your Physiotherapist is the best way to diagnose the cause of your sciatica. They will be able to guide on any extra investigations required and on the optimal treatment plan.
What should I avoid to help my Sciatica?
Avoid sitting for longer than absolutely necessary.
Avoid sitting with slumped posture, or bending down to pick things up using a stoop lift.
Start Physiotherapy care as soon as possible
Avoid excessive pain medications as they will only mask the symptoms
Contact Us:
Experienced Physiotherapists with essential knowledge. You can call us anytime to have a confidential discussion with our expert Physiotherapists. For more information on how we can further assist you, please call our clinic number on 0479 080 800 or send us an email on [email protected] for further details. Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specialising in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back on track.
Physio Parramatta WorkCover, Car accidents, Post Surgery Rehab, NDIS, Sports Injuries
