Back pain is something most of us have suffered with at some point in our lives, but this week I was presented with a client who had sciatic pain, a condition, I personally, have not come across too often, which led me to conduct some research.
Sciatica is a common complaint caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest in the body and runs from the pelvis, through the buttocks, travelling down the legs to the feet. It can be caused by a slipped disc, pregnancy, degeneration of the vertebral discs or in the case of my client, an imbalance of her shoulders following 2 operations, leading her to over compensate with her lower back.
Common symptoms of sciatica include;
Sciatica is a common complaint caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest in the body and runs from the pelvis, through the buttocks, travelling down the legs to the feet. It can be caused by a slipped disc, pregnancy, degeneration of the vertebral discs or in the case of my client, an imbalance of her shoulders following 2 operations, leading her to over compensate with her lower back.
Common symptoms of sciatica include;
- pain in the buttock or leg, made worse when sitting
- burning or tingling down the leg
- weakness or numbness along the leg
- a constant pain in the buttock
- a shooting pain down the leg
Sciatica usually affects only 1 side of the body, with pain spreading from the lower back, through the buttock, down the leg and frequently as far as the toes. Sciatica can be made worse is the sufferer is overweight, inactive or sleeps on an overly soft mattress. In most cases, the condition lasts only a few weeks, before the inflammation subsides. As with my client, massage can prove an effective tool in reducing the pain of the condition. After 1 treatment, she could notice a marked improvement and is returning this week for another session. Massage to the lower back, buttock region and leg, helps reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve, thereby reducing the pain the sufferer is experiencing.
In addition, there are some stretches that can be performed at home to improve the pain and offer some relief. NB, never overstretch or force yourself into a stretch, listen to your body and go as far as it is able without causing pain.
If you know someone who has sciatica, get them to try these exercises and see if there is an improvement.
In addition, there are some stretches that can be performed at home to improve the pain and offer some relief. NB, never overstretch or force yourself into a stretch, listen to your body and go as far as it is able without causing pain.
If you know someone who has sciatica, get them to try these exercises and see if there is an improvement.
